, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the implementation of the Panchayat Accountability Index){kind=link}
JUNE 03: Secretary of the Rural Development Department (RDD), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the implementation of the Panchayat Accountability Index (PAI) 2.0 across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative, aimed at strengthening grassroots governance, is focused on institutional development, service delivery, and enhanced transparency within Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
During the review, Secretary Asad underscored the need for District Commissioners (DCs) to expedite the resolution of land-related issues for Panchayat Ghars (PGs). He stressed that Panchayat Ghars are the cornerstone of rural governance, and delays in securing land are hindering the effective rollout of integrated rural services.
The Secretary called for swift identification and allocation of land where Panchayat Ghars are yet to be constructed or face legal or ownership hurdles. He instructed district-level officers to work in coordination with revenue authorities to address pending cases on a priority basis.
Highlighting the importance of PAI 2.0, Mohammad Aijaz Asad emphasized that rural planning must be grounded in accurate, real-time data. He urged officials to utilize data analytics to assess developmental gaps and better prioritize interventions. Data-driven planning, he noted, will enhance decision-making and ensure resources are directed where they are most needed.
Capacity-building workshops were also discussed as a key component of the initiative. The Secretary instructed training institutes and PRIs to conduct regular workshops aimed at improving the administrative and technical capabilities of Panchayat-level officials. Special focus is being placed on digital literacy, public service delivery standards, and financial accountability.
Further, the integration of key citizen services within Panchayat Ghars was identified as a critical step to improving accessibility in rural areas. These services include welfare scheme enrolment, grievance redressal, issuance of certificates, and access to rural development information.
Secretary Asad reiterated that under PAI 2.0, the government is committed to creating empowered, responsive, and transparent Panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir. He urged all stakeholders to adopt a mission-mode approach for the timely execution of objectives.
The review concluded with the directive that regular progress reports be submitted to ensure accountability and to evaluate district-wise performance under the initiative.