Progress of Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikash Karyakram (PMJVK) projects poor in Assam

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The physical progress of projects under the PMJVK (Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikash Karyakram) is very poor in the state. PMJVK was formerly known as MSDP (Multi-Sectoral Development Programme).

Developmental works in minority concentration areas get done through the PMJVK under the Union Ministry of Minority Affairs. This programme undertakes schemes relating to honing skills, healthcare facilities, Anganwadi centres, drinking water facilities, residential schools, hostels for working women, market sheds, additional classrooms, providing computer sets in schools, community centres etc.

The implementation of PMJVK projects is dismal in Assam. Only 47,473 of the 1,33,300 PMJVK units sanctioned got completed in the state. The completion rate of PMJVK projects in the state is just 34.1 per cent. Likewise, 2,293 of 13,826 education projects (16.6 per cent) and 134 of 610 health projects (22 per cent) got completed in the state.

The poor implementation of the PMJVK projects in Assam got reflected in the February 2021 report of NITI Aayog. The report says that even PMJVK projects of the 11th Five-Year Plan are yet to start in the state. The state representatives told NITI Aayog that a few projects of the 11th Five Year Plan were yet to start due to 'cost escalation'. They further informed the Aayog that they were planning alternative projects in place of the 11th Five Year Plan projects.

Regarding the delay in project completion, the state representatives said that the State government had released funds for MSDP (now PMJVK) projects only in 2016-17, leading to a delay in the 12th Five-Year Plan project implementation. Assam has 20 minority concentration districts that include 139 development blocks and two towns.

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