Congress MP Subodh Kant Sahay today said that development projects in the rural areas were not gathering pace due to alleged slackness of block development offices.
"Slackness in the Block development Offices is the reason behind slow development works in the villages," the former union minister said at a 'Janata Durbar' held near Khalari Block Office in Ranchi district.
"The slow pace of work results in non-implementation of welfare projects leading to surrender of funds, depriving the beneficiaries," a press release said quoting Sahay.
Saying that crores of rupees were being sent by the Centre to the blocks for speedy implementation of works, he said, "Unfortunately the main mover (block office) of the programmes is idle, affecting the government's aim to uplift the standard of living of the rural people."
Receiving complaints from villagers on pending projects and demanding their early completion, he said country's progress depended upon development of villages and asked the officials in the block to resolve the complaints of the villagers within one week.
Expressing concern over people running from pillar to post to get even a small work done, Sahay claimed half of the problem would be solved if officials in the block 'understand' that it was their responsibility to perform on projects.
Representing the district administration at the 'durbar', Deputy Development Commissioner S K Verma said working for the people was the responsibility of the officials and stringent action would be taken if specific complaints were received against officials.
The complaints included programmes under Indira Awas, public distribution system, pension for widows and the handicap, works taken up under MG-NREGA, BPL list, rural electrification, and alleged irregularities in some government projects, the release said.
