PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
The Minister of Rural Development, Small and Micro Medium Enterprises (MSME), Khadi and Village Industries, Bharat Singh Chaudhary reviewed the performance of the Rural Development department on Friday. In the meeting the officers of the department gave a detailed presentation of the financial and physical progress of the past fiscal year.
The officials also provided the minister with information regarding promotions and direct recruitment within the Rural Development department’s structure. A detailed presentation of the various schemes and projects implemented by the department was also presented.
The presentation detailed the progress and achievements of the department’s schemes and programmes, such as NRLM, Gramothan-REAP, Chief Minister Udyamshala Yojana, SRLM, Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihood Mission and PMGSY.
The officials further informed that in the year 2025-26, products worth Rs 3.01 crore of the House of Himalayas brand had been sold. Uttarakhand secured the third position in the country by making 99.82 per cent of the timely payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
Notably, a budget provision of Rs 290.10 crore has been made under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA and Rs 705.25 crore for G-Ram Yojana in the financial year 2026-27.
Chaudhary directed the officials to take the House of the Himalayas products at the national level while maintaining their quality. He also called for exposure visits for Krishi Vigyan Kendra employees to develop their skills, so they can become familiar with new technologies and best practices.
The minister also suggested that in future, instead of presenting bouquets on courtesy visits or other occasions, a new tradition should be developed of gifting local products, so that local products are promoted.
Secretary, Rural Development, Dhiraj Singh Garbiyal, additional secretary/commissioner Rural Development Anuradha Pal and additional secretary/CEO Jharna Kamthan attended the meeting.
