PM Modi calls for stringent quality monitoring of roads under PMGSY

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for putting in place effective mechanism for stringent quality monitoring of roads being built under PMGSY and due monitoring of loans being given to self-help groups under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY).

Reviewing progress of rural development schemes on Monday, he said that quality checks for the roads being constructed should be made at the material procurement stage, the construction stage, as well as the maintenance stage of the scheme.

Underlining that rural progress and prosperity is at the core of his government's dream of creating a developed India, the Prime Minister said on Twitter, "Yesterday's meeting on rural development schemes involved wide-ranging discussions on various schemes for developing our villages.

"Satisfying progress has been made in adding more roads in rural areas. We discussed best practices under PMGSY that are very beneficial."

Modi said the meeting also discussed aspects relating to Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, which seeks to alleviate poverty through sustainable livelihoods.

"The Prime Minister was given a presentation on the progress of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY), by the NITI Aayog," an official statement said.

An average of 91 kilometres of rural roads have been built daily in the Financial Year 2015-16, resulting in addition of a total 30,500 km of rural road length and connecting around 6500 habitations.

The Prime Minister was also informed about the use of innovative best practices in PMGSY to further speed up the rural road construction.

These include the use of GIS and Space Imagery for planning and monitoring, efficient fund flow by minimising the number of layers and citizen grievance redressal through the app -? "Meri Sadak."

"The Prime Minister directed concerned officials to put in place an effective mechanism for stringent quality monitoring of the roads being built under the scheme. He said that quality checks should be made at the material procurement stage, the construction stage, as well as the maintenance stage," the statement said.

On Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana (DAY), the Prime Minister was informed that so far, around 3 crore households have been linked to self-help groups (SHGs).

"The Prime Minister asked for due monitoring of the loans being given to SHGs, using Aadhaar. He emphasised that loans must reach the intended beneficiaries, for this scheme to be successful," the statement said.

In a separate tweet, Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said that a record number of welfare and developpment schemes were launched in past twenty months of the NDA government benefiting farmers, poor and downtrodden in various sectors.

In separate tweets on the occasion of International Water Day, the Prime Minister today said that its demonstrates the need to spread greater awareness on water-related issues and collectively conserve precious water resources.

"Theme of 'Water & Jobs' illustrates the vitality of water in transforming lives & water's paramount role in creating a better planet," Modi said.

United Nations World Water Day is an international observance held every March 22 that provides an opportunity to learn more about water-related issues and take action on a current or future challenge to make a difference.

This year?s theme of 'Water and Jobs' focuses on how enough quantity and quality of water can change workers' lives and livelihoods and even transform societies and economies.