Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh, December 18:
Local Government Minister Balkar Singh stated that development projects across Punjab under various schemes will be expedited. He affirmed the commitment of the Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, to provide the state's people with basic facilities, a clean environment, and improved citizen services.
Today, at Municipal Bhawan Sector 35 Chandigarh, the Minister of Local Government held a review meeting through video conference with officials from the Head Office of the Department, all Deputy Commissioners, Commissioners of Municipal Corporations, and Additional Deputy Commissioners (General/Urban Development) under various schemes. Unutilized funds should be promptly spent to provide basic facilities to the people as soon as possible.
Addressing the meeting, the Cabinet Minister reviewed the development works under the Amrut Scheme, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Smart City Mission. He instructed officials to spend unused funds under various heads to development works for the welfare of the people. The Minister warned that if unused funds are not utilized promptly, appropriate action will be taken against responsible officials.
In a separate video conference with all Deputy Commissioners and Additional Deputy Commissioners (General/Urban Development), the Cabinet Minister emphasized cleanliness, provision of clean water, street lights, sewerage, and parks in Urban Local Bodies. He urged officials to address problems related to finding suitable sites for water treatment plants and sewage treatment plants promptly, in coordination with the concerned Municipal Commissioner.
Cabinet Minister urged officials to provide complete information on development works related to the MLAs of their constituency. This ensures that development aligns with residents' needs. He emphasized the timely implementation of schemes and proper fund utilization, assuring that the government has ample funds for development.
Minister appealed to officials to work diligently and cooperatively, emphasizing the government's commitment to providing a corruption-free administration. Strict actions will be taken against those involved in corruption.
In the meeting, Secretary of Local Government Ajoy Sharma, CEO of Punjab Water Supply and Sewerage Board Malwinder Singh Jaggi, PMIDC CEO Deepti Uppal, Local Government Director Uma Shankar Gupta, and other senior officials were present.