PUNJAB GOVERNMENT ACCELERATES RANGLA PUNJAB VIKAS SCHEME, SETS STRICT DEADLINES FOR PROJECT COMPLETION
Chandigarh, June 5:
The Punjab Government has stepped up efforts to fast-track development projects across the state under the Rangla Punjab Vikas Scheme, with Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directing officials to adhere to strict timelines and accountability measures.
Chairing a high-level review meeting through video conferencing from Punjab Bhawan on Friday, Cheema instructed all Deputy Commissioners to ensure that development works under the second phase of the scheme begin by June 10 and are completed by July 31 without exception.
The Finance Minister also issued a stern warning regarding the third phase of the scheme, stating that districts failing to submit project proposals within the next two days would face a complete freeze on development grants.
Emphasising the government's commitment to speedy development, Cheema said delays would not be tolerated and accountability would be fixed at every level. He directed all concerned departments to closely monitor the execution of projects and ensure that deadlines are met.
To avoid disruptions during the upcoming monsoon season, Deputy Commissioners have also been asked to carefully plan and execute projects so that weather conditions do not hamper ongoing infrastructure works.
Punjab Chief Secretary KAP Sinha reinforced the message of administrative discipline during the meeting. He directed district administrations to ensure timely processing and submission of bills related to completed works, warning that implementing agencies responsible for delays would face strict disciplinary action.
Meanwhile, Additional Chief Secretary Jaspreet Talwar stressed the need for financial transparency and ordered the immediate submission of all pending Utilization Certificates (UCs) related to previously completed projects.
She further directed officials to establish a permanent and time-bound mechanism for submitting future utilization certificates to ensure uninterrupted flow of development funds across the state.
The meeting underscored the Punjab Government's focus on accelerating grassroots development while maintaining strict financial and administrative accountability.
