In a significant move to accelerate rural infrastructure development, the Uttar Pradesh government has conducted a high-level review of projects funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
High-Power Committee Reviews Progress
The third review meeting for the financial year 2025-26 of the high-power committee overseeing NABARD's Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) was held in Lucknow. Chief Secretary SP Goyal personally chaired this crucial meeting, underscoring the state's commitment to timely project execution.
The session focused on evaluating the progress of various rural infrastructure initiatives financed under the RIDF scheme. This fund is instrumental in building vital assets like rural roads, bridges, irrigation projects, and community infrastructure across Uttar Pradesh's villages.
Key Directives for Departments and NABARD
During the meeting, CS Goyal issued clear instructions to all concerned state departments and NABARD officials. He emphasized the need for joint and coordinated efforts on several action points identified to streamline the process.
A primary directive was for all departments to promptly submit their reimbursement claims to NABARD. This step is critical for the disbursement of funds under the RIDF scheme within the current financial cycle, ensuring that project cash flows are not interrupted.
Digitalization Drive for Efficiency
Looking to modernize governance and reduce delays, the Chief Secretary laid out a vision for digital integration. He instructed departments and NABARD to collaborate closely on a comprehensive digitalization plan.
The goal is to migrate key processes to the dedicated RIDF web portal. This would enable the online submission and tracking of:
- Project approval requests
- Reimbursement claims
- Final project completion reports
This digital shift is expected to bring greater transparency, faster approvals, and real-time monitoring of project status, ultimately speeding up the development of rural areas.
Implications for Rural Development
The proactive review and clear directives signal the state administration's focused approach towards utilizing central funds effectively. By pushing for digital adoption and timely financial claims, the government aims to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks that often slow down infrastructure projects.
The successful implementation of these measures will directly impact the pace at which rural connectivity, water management, and other infrastructure projects reach completion. This, in turn, is poised to enhance the quality of life and economic opportunities in Uttar Pradesh's vast rural hinterlands.
