REASI: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Nidhi Malik today chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Urban (PMAY-U) 1.0 in the district.

The DC conducted a detailed evaluation of the scheme's implementation, focusing on beneficiary-wise progress, the pace of housing construction and the disbursement of financial assistance.

Taking serious note of 34 non-starter cases - including 20 in Reasi town, 3 under Katra Municipality, and 11 from the Katra Development Authority area, Deputy Commissioner Nidhi Malik issued immediate directions to fast-track the recovery process.

She further took note of pendency under Katra Development Authority (KDA) area and asked for immediate corrective measures.

The DC directed officials to prioritize stalled projects at the plinth, lintel, and roof levels, which have been delayed due to issues in fund disbursement. She instructed that pending payment cases be taken up urgently with the Housing Board to ensure timely release of installments and accelerate construction progress.

DC Nidhi Malik emphasized that recovery proceedings against defaulters must be concluded within a week, in accordance with PMAY-U 1.0 guidelines. It was informed that recovery action has already begun in Reasi town, with three beneficiaries having refunded the sanctioned amount and three more cases currently under process.

Addressing cases involving deceased beneficiaries, the DC directed officials to identify legal heirs and instruct them either to commence construction or return the financial assistance to the government.

The Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Reasi reported that 64 houses are currently at various stages of construction. Similarly, the Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Katra, confirmed that 74 houses have been completed under PMAY-U 1.0.

The DC Reasi also underscored the importance of frequent field visits by officers to regularly monitor on-ground progress, address bottlenecks and provide necessary support to beneficiaries to ensure timely completion of all houses.

In addition to PMAY-U 1.0, the progress of PMAY-U 2.0 was also reviewed. The DC directed both Executive Officers to intensify Information, Education & Communication (IEC) activities to enhance awareness and boost beneficiary enrollment.

Reiterating the vision of the scheme, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the timely and effective implementation of PMAY is crucial to achieving the goal of ‘Housing for All'.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Reasi, Sukhdev Singh Samyal; EO Municipal Committee Reasi, Suresh Singh; EO Municipal Committee Katra, Rajat Abrol and other concerned officials.