Shimla: Deputy Commissioner Shimla Anupam Kashyap on Friday reviewed developmental works in four development blocks—Mashobra, Jubbal, Narkanda and Basantpur—through video conferencing with the respective Block Development Officers (BDOs).
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to expedite development works in rural areas and ensure effective and coordinated utilisation of available resources.
Kashyap said a robust mechanism had been put in place for the overall development of the district. He stressed the need for effective utilisation of financial resources available under various schemes, including MP and MLA funds and competitive schemes. He also directed officials to prioritise the completion of school and hospital buildings, along with other infrastructure and public welfare projects, through departmental budgets.
He emphasised the need for planned development at the Panchayat level. Training programmes are being organised for newly elected representatives of Panchayati Raj Institutions to familiarise them with various government schemes and development programmes.
Ensure schemes reach eligible beneficiaries
The Deputy Commissioner directed officials to ensure that eligible people in every village receive the benefits of government schemes. He noted that lack of awareness about schemes and government facilities often forces rural residents to make repeated visits to government offices.
Officials were directed to create greater awareness at the Panchayat level about government schemes, eligibility criteria and available facilities so that people can access benefits more easily.
Kashyap said the first phase of the review covered the four development blocks, while meetings with officials of other departments would be held in the next phase.
He said the district administration’s objective was to develop every Panchayat as a model Panchayat. For this, Panchayats should prepare proposals for development works based on local needs and priorities and implement them accordingly.
Identification of beneficiaries under new social security scheme
The Deputy Commissioner also directed officials to identify eligible beneficiaries for the state government’s Chief Minister Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana, which is scheduled to be formally launched on October 2, 2026.
He asked officials to take timely and effective measures to identify eligible people and connect them with the scheme.
Kashyap said strengthening the rural economy and moving towards a self-reliant Himachal were key priorities of the state government. He added that expanding development and employment opportunities in rural areas, while ensuring that government schemes reach the last person, remained a priority of the district administration.
Departments asked to improve performance
The Deputy Commissioner also called for improved departmental performance and better coordination among agencies.
He said that despite having a capable and dedicated workforce, any shortcomings in the district’s performance on developmental indicators were a matter of concern. Officials were directed to improve their performance significantly.
Kashyap warned that action would be taken, as per rules, against officers and employees found negligent or careless in discharging their duties.
He said the administration would focus on better coordination of resources, timely implementation of schemes and result-oriented functioning to improve Shimla’s performance on various development indicators and ensure that the benefits of development reach every section of society.
