ISLAMABAD: The AJK government has decided to complete development schemes in the state on time through an effective monitoring system.

A review meeting of local government and rural development department was held at Kashmir House on Friday under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Azad Jammu and Kashmir Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi.

The meeting reviewed development schemes worth over Rs2 billion.

The Local Government and Rural Development secretary briefed the AJK prime minister about the development budget and projects of the local government department.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Local Government and Rural Development Khawaja Farooq Ahmed, Secretary Local Government Ejaz Ahmed Khan, Secretary to Prime Minister Zafar Mahmood and other relevant officials.

“Aneffective monitoring system would be implemented for timely completion of development schemes,” the meeting decided.

Besides, the meeting also decided to expedite ongoing projects.

“An effective accountability process will be initiated within the department,” the prime minister told the meeting.

It was also decided schemes would be identified in a timely manner to ensure timely utilisation of the local government budget.

Addressing the review meeting, the Prime Minister of Azad Kashmir Sardar Abdul Qayyum said: “Department of Local Government is of core importance in providing basic services to the people of the state. We strive to provide facilities to every household in Azad Kashmir including water, road, electricity and other standard amenities.

Prime Minister Sardar Abdul Qayyum Niazi directed the Local Government Department to ensure transparency in the disposal of the development budget.

The local government department should effectively monitor the development schemes so that timely completion of projects and proper disposal of budget were ensured. Bogus schemes will not be tolerated, he warned.

He said that equitable distribution of funds should be ensured in all constituencies for the provision of basic facilities to the people.

Complete data of approved and completed projects should be kept safe and projects should be documented.

The prime minister said there was no shortage of funds for the development and prosperity of the state.

Published in Dawn, February 26th, 2022