DODA, JULY 18: District Development Commissioner Doda Krishan Lal today chaired a meeting to review implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Anusuchit Jaati Abhyuday Yojana (PM-AJAY) and preparation of Village Development Plans (VDPs) for newly selected villages in the district. The meeting was held at the Conference Hall, DC Office Complex, Doda.
During the meeting, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Doda gave a PowerPoint presentation on the objectives of the PM-AJAY scheme, its implementation framework and the roadmap for preparation of Village Development Plans.
It was informed that six villages from five blocks — Bhaderwah (Bhalra), Bhalessa (Darie and Batara), Chiralla (Bhallara), Thathri (Sharote) and Kahara (Suranga) have been selected under Phase-III of PM-AJAY for the financial year 2025-26. The meeting reviewed the planning process to ensure holistic development of the villages through a convergent approach.
The DDC directed departments to prepare need-based, participatory and time-bound Village Development Plans, involving local stakeholders and ensuring convergence of government schemes and to submit the plans within prescribed timelines reflecting the developmental needs of selected villages.
The meeting discussed developmental indicators under ten key sectors including drinking water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition, social security, rural roads and housing, electricity and clean fuel, agriculture, financial inclusion, digitisation and livelihood and skill development. Departments were instructed to identify infrastructure gaps and ensure 100 percent saturation of beneficiary-oriented government schemes in the selected villages.
Detailed deliberations were also held on preparation of Village Development Plans, household surveys through the AJAY Mobile App, infrastructure gap analysis and constitution of Village Level Convergence Committees (VLCCs) headed by Block Development Officers concerned.
The meeting also reviewed preparation of a multi-year Prospective Plan under the Special Central Assistance to Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCA to SCSP) to identify priority development projects to improve the socio-economic conditions of Scheduled Caste communities.
The DDC directed Block Development Officers to accord priority to functional toilet facilities in schools in the selected PM-AJAY villages and directed departments to complete surveys, submit the Village Development Plans within the stipulated timeframe and ensure effective execution through regular monitoring.
Among those present were Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Doda, District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Doda, XEN PDD Doda, Assistant Director Planning, officers of the School Education Department, Block Development Officers concerned, District Employment Officer, Tehsil Social Welfare Officers, representatives of J&K Bank, Assistant Engineers of respective blocks, officials of Mission YUVA and officers of departments concerned.
