Lucknow: With the objective of ensuring that the benefits of various government-run public welfare schemes reach every section of society, a divisional-level review meeting on the progress of development works across all districts of the division was held under the chairmanship of Divisional Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant. The meeting took place at the Commissioner’s Office Chamber and focused on the physical and financial progress of schemes, timely achievement of targets, and quality implementation.
The meeting was attended by the Joint Development Commissioner, while District Magistrates, Chief Development Officers, and concerned departmental officials from all districts of the division participated through virtual mode.
Review of Panchayati Raj Department
During the review of the Panchayati Raj Department, the Divisional Commissioner examined the progress of work orders related to other publications under the Digital Library Establishment Scheme. It was observed that in Unnao, Lakhimpur Kheri, Raebareli, Hardoi, and Sitapur, the process of issuing work orders has not yet been completed, causing unnecessary delays in project implementation. Taking a serious view, the Commissioner directed the concerned officers to immediately complete the work order process in these districts, open technical bids at the earliest as per prescribed procedures, and ensure prompt commencement of work.
Cremation Ground Development
While reviewing the physical targets of approved cremation grounds for the financial year 2025–26, the Commissioner instructed officials to start work immediately at the remaining selected sites. It was found that several cremation grounds are still at the site-selection stage, with construction yet to begin—10 sites in Unnao and 4 in Sitapur. Expressing dissatisfaction, the Commissioner stated that delays in such public-interest works are unacceptable. He directed departments and executing agencies to complete all site-selection formalities, obtain necessary administrative and technical approvals, and commence construction without delay, strictly adhering to prescribed quality standards.
Panchayat Assistants and CSC Services
Reviewing the appointment of Panchayat Assistants, it was noted that 11 appointments are still pending in Unnao district. The Commissioner directed that all vacant posts be filled in a time-bound manner.
In the review of services provided through Common Service Centres (CSCs), it emerged that the number of zero-service gram panchayats stands at 28 in Hardoi and 29 in Sitapur. The Divisional Commissioner instructed District Magistrates to ensure that these CSCs are made operational at the earliest so that citizens can avail government services without inconvenience.
Model Gram Panchayats Verification
During the review of Model Gram Panchayats, it was noted that first-level verification has been completed across the division. However, a significant number of villages are pending second-level verification—285 in Hardoi, 200 in Unnao, 101 in Sitapur, and 58 in Lakhimpur Kheri. The Commissioner directed officials to expedite the verification process to ensure completion within the stipulated timeline.
Housing, Livelihood, and Social Security Schemes
Under the Chief Minister Housing Scheme, the Commissioner expressed serious concern over the unsatisfactory progress in Sitapur, where only 65% of beneficiaries have received the first installment. He directed officials to ensure timely payment of all installments to approved beneficiaries and to immediately review and resolve pending cases, ensuring transparency and efficiency in the payment process.
Reviewing the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), the Commissioner observed that Sitapur has been assigned a disproportionately high target of 21,775 Self Help Groups, which appears unrealistic. On the District Magistrate’s submission that the target requires rational revision based on ground realities, the Commissioner directed that the matter be effectively taken up at the government level for necessary correction.
He also expressed concern over the low saturation of targeted families under NRLM in Lakhimpur Kheri and Lucknow, directing officials to ensure that no eligible family is deprived of scheme benefits.
Zero Poverty Survey and Pension Schemes
During the review of the Zero Poverty Survey, it was found that Sitapur district has the highest pendency, with 180 service delivery cases and 79 verification cases pending for ration card issuance. The Commissioner directed all District Supply Officers to analyze technical issues and clear pending cases urgently, ensuring submission of compliance reports by February 1, 2026.
Similarly, pending cases related to Divyang Pension, Widow Pension, and Old Age Pension schemes were reviewed. The Commissioner instructed that all pendencies be resolved transparently and in a time-bound manner, with corrective measures taken to prevent recurrence of such delays.
Ujjwala Scheme and Electricity Verification
Reviewing the progress of Ujjwala Scheme (Phase–2), the Commissioner noted high pendency in beneficiary verification across districts. He directed all District Magistrates to accord top priority to this task and ensure swift, transparent verification so that eligible families are not deprived of LPG connections.
He also expressed displeasure over the large number of pending electricity connection verification cases, instructing officials to clear all pendencies within the stipulated timeframe and submit regular progress reports.
Agriculture and Procurement
During the review of the Farmer Registry, it was observed that Raebareli district’s performance is below the state average. The Commissioner directed the District Magistrate to accelerate registrations so that farmers can benefit from government schemes. He also instructed officials to ensure 100% fertilizer availability at all cooperative societies, warning against recurrence of zero-stock situations in Unnao, Raebareli, and Lakhimpur Kheri.
Reviewing paddy procurement for Kharif Marketing Year 2025–26, the Commissioner directed that payments to farmers be made without delay and Aadhaar-related issues be resolved promptly. He emphasized priority procurement from small and marginal farmers and transparent, smooth functioning of all procurement centres.
Women, Child, Education, and Infrastructure Schemes
Under the Rani Laxmibai Women and Child Honour Fund Scheme, the Commissioner reviewed pending cases at the DSC level—57 in Sitapur, 35 in Lakhimpur Kheri, and 96 in Lucknow—and directed their timely and fair disposal.
Similarly, during the review of the Kanya Sumangala Scheme, he expressed concern over low application numbers in Raebareli, Sitapur, and Hardoi, directing officials to intensify outreach and ensure timely benefits to eligible girls.
The Commissioner also reviewed the construction of 500-capacity working women hostels in Lucknow, emphasizing strict quality control, and directed the formation of inspection teams for on-site verification.
Anganwadi Centres, Villages, and Cow Shelters
Reviewing Anganwadi centre construction, the Commissioner directed that pending centres from 2022–23 and 2023–24—particularly in Hardoi, Sitapur, and Raebareli—be completed immediately, and that construction of centres approved in 2024–25 be started without delay.
During the review of Prime Minister Adarsh Gram Yojana, he noted satisfactory progress in submission of Utilisation Certificates across districts, directing timely completion of remaining formalities.
The Commissioner also reviewed fodder cultivation on pasture land linked to cow shelters, expressing concern over low green fodder coverage in Raebareli and Sitapur. He directed officials to accelerate fodder sowing, install CCTV cameras in all cow shelters, and merge shelters with fewer than 50 cattle with nearby facilities for better management.
Schools, Hostels, and Helipad Projects
Emphasizing quality, the Commissioner reviewed the construction of Chief Minister Model Schools, warning that any negligence in this flagship scheme would not be tolerated.
During the review of Atal Residential School Entrance Examination, he noted low application numbers and directed District Magistrates to intensify publicity and ensure enrollment of eligible children, especially those of registered construction workers.
Reviewing road widening and strengthening works for 2025–26, the Commissioner instructed officials to expedite tender approvals. He also reviewed the helipad construction plan at 99 locations across the division, directing swift site selection in coordination with the Revenue Department.
Concluding the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner issued clear instructions to departments with unsatisfactory grading to implement immediate corrective measures. He also reviewed IGRS grievance redressal, directing that all complaints be resolved in a timely and quality manner to maintain the division’s ranking.
He reiterated that timely, transparent, and quality execution of development works is the government’s top priority, and any laxity at any level will not be tolerated.
