Birender reviews progress of PMGSY for Punjab, Haryana, HP

Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Birender Singh today reviewed the progress of 'Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak' Yojna (PMGSY) for Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh here today.
State-wise projects related to PMGSY must be thoroughly assessed by each state and sent to the Ministry on or before March 31, 2016, he said.
He assured that funds would be released for all projects submitted well in time, said an official release here.
During a detailed presentation by Rajesh Bhushan, Jt. Secretary Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, GoI, on various aspects of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, a comparison of status of PMGSY on various fronts including targets, physical progress, achievements were discussed.

Punjab got a pat on the back for best average length construction per day amounting to 2.02 km per day as against 1.73 km of Haryana and 1.32 km of Himachal Pradesh during 2014-15.
On this occasion, stress was laid on the need for regular maintenance of rural roads along with their construction. Singh also suggested the formulation of Rural Roads Maintenance Policy by each of the states (RRMP) for the same.

However the representatives of all the participating states vociferously advocated for a share of centre government in the repair and maintenance of roads, the release said.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for PWD (B&R) Punjab, Janmeja Singh Sekhon, Minister for Agriculture, Tota Singh and Minister for Rural Development Punjab, Sikander Singh Maluka jointly raised certain issues pertaining to rural roads.

They made a request for the approval of additional target of upgradation of approx 1500 KM rural roads under PMGSY-II and new connectivity for 295 habitations having population less than 500 for Punjab.
A request was also made to accord approval for relaxing the condition of Right of way (RoW) from 10 metre to 8.38 metre for upgradation of rural roads.
Permission for construction of 'phirnies' in all villages with concrete pavement along with drains and approval for construction of metalled roads along the canals and distributaries in Punjab was also sought.
The matter pertaining to relaxing the condition of population and land with requirement in case of districts falling along the International Border (IB) for the convenience of people living in the Border belt and free movement of security forces along the Border was put forth, the release said.