A key meeting of the District Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee (DISHA) was held on Monday at the Ramgarh Collectorate auditorium under the chairmanship of Hazaribagh MP Manish Jaiswal. The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing development projects and public welfare schemes across the district.
Progress on decisions taken in the previous meeting was assessed, and several pressing issues were discussed in detail. The MP, along with Deputy Commissioner Rituraj, took a firm stance on matters concerning public interest.
Illegal mining emerged as a major concern. The MP strongly reprimanded the District Mining Officer, highlighting that unauthorized coal, sand, and stone extraction is causing revenue losses and posing risks to river intake wells and bridges. The Deputy Commissioner directed the formation of a special task force and increased surveillance in sensitive areas.
Agencies involved in skill development were warned against presenting only paperwork without real outcomes. Instructions were given to ensure genuine employment opportunities by coordinating with local industries. The Rural Engineering Organisation (REO) was directed to speed up road construction under PMGSY and strengthen contractor monitoring.
Officials were instructed to organize special camps to include beneficiaries left out of social security schemes and to maintain transparency in pension distribution. The agriculture and animal husbandry departments were asked to ensure participation of public representatives in outreach programs.
Concerns were raised about healthcare services, with strict instructions to stop referring patients from government hospitals to private clinics. Action was also directed against private clinics operating within 500 meters of hospitals.
Poor academic performance in the district was also discussed. Accountability of teachers was emphasized, and alternative arrangements were suggested in areas facing staff shortages.
The condition of Anganwadi centres was flagged, with over 500 still operating from private buildings while only 71 permanent structures have been completed. Directions were given to ensure proper infrastructure, including drinking water and basic facilities.
Officials from the drinking water department faced criticism for failing to submit reports. Closed water supply schemes and inaccurate data triggered strong reactions. A ground-level survey and urgent restoration of water supply systems were ordered, along with a high-level review meeting.
Infrastructure issues such as flyover construction near Charhi and Kuju, restoration of street lights in Chutupalu Valley, and addressing highway black spots were also discussed.
The MP stated that the core objective of the meeting is to ensure that government schemes reach the last person effectively.
Several schemes, including MGNREGA, PMAY, Swachh Bharat Mission, National Health Mission, and others, were reviewed. Public representatives raised multiple local concerns, and departments were directed to act promptly.
The meeting was attended by local MLAs, district officials, and representatives from various blocks and panchayats.