17th Meeting

Minutes of the 17th meeting of the Shivalik Development Board held on 28-3-2007 under the Chairmanship of Shri Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Haryana.

At the outset, the Financial Commissioner, Revenue welcomed the Hon’ble Chief Minister and other members of the Shivalik Development Board in its 17th Meeting. Thereafter, the agenda items were taken up.

Item No. 1: - Confirmation of minutes of the last meeting held on 27th March, 2006.

The house confirmed the minutes of the last meeting held on 27-03-2006.

Item No. 2: - Action taken report on the decisions of the last meeting.

The house noted the action taken report on the decisions of the last meeting and decided to take suitable action in respect of the following: -

i) Tourist Complex at Morni :- The House was apprised that as per the decision of the last Shivalik Development Board Meeting, the building at Morni was to be taken over by the Tourism Department for the purpose of setting up of a Hotel Management Institute. In pursuance of the same, independent water supply line to the complex had been provided by the Shivalik Development Agency, however, the Tourism Department had not taken over the building as yet. Hon’ble Chief Minister directed the Commissioner & Secretary, Tourism to take over the Building Complex at the earliest and make plans for its utilization.

ii) PHC, Hangola: - The House was informed that the construction work of this building had started on ground. The Hon’ble Chief Minister directed the Financial Commissioner & Principal Secretary, PWD (B&R) to expedite the project and compete the same within six months.

iii) Electrification of Dhanis: - The house was apprised that project for electrification of 149 dhanis in the Shivalik area had been approved by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, Govt. of India with central financial assistance of Rs. 85.57 lacs. In addition, this would require Rs. 41.00 lacs as State share and Rs. 38.37 lacs as the share of Shivalik Development Agency.

iv) Filling up of vacancies: - For filling up the vacant posts in Education department on the pattern of Mewat Development Board, the Financial Commissioner & Principal Secretary to Govt. of Haryana, Education Department apprised the House that the action was being taken and with the introduction of Edusat the situation would improve in future.

v) Preparation of Long-term strategy: - It was informed that the Shivalik Development Agency had got prepared “Development Vision: 2021” through M/s Alternative Development Initiatives, Chandigarh, which was being examined.

Item No. 3: - Review of progress of works for the year 2005-06.

The house was apprised of the progress of works undertaken during the year 2005-06. The house noted the status report. Hon’ble Chief Minister directed that the executing departments should complete all works within six months.

Item No. 4: - Approval of Annual Action Plan for the year 2006-07.

The house approved the Annual Action Plan for the year 2006-07 amounting to Rs. 2601.915 lacs. Hon’ble Chief Minister directed that additional allocation to SDA would be considered in 2007-08 to complete the proposed projects.

Item No. 5: - Review of progress of works for the year 2006-07.

The house was apprised of the progress of works undertaken during the year 2006-07. After discussion, the Hon’ble Chief Minister directed that all departments should expedite the projects on an urgent basis and effectively monitor their progress. On the request of Principal Secretary, Irrigation, the scheme regarding irrigation tubewells was transferred to Panchayati Raj Department.

It was further decided that the Coordination Committee should be revived and headed by Financial Commissioner, Revenue. The Coordination Committee would comprise of the Secretaries of the executing departments and the MLAs concerned which would meet every quarter to monitor the works undertaken by SDA.

Item No. 6: - Provision of staff for the office of the SDA.

The house was apprised of the vacant posts and the difficulty in monitoring the projects in absence of the same. It was decided that the matter regarding taking staff on deputation basis may be pursued with the concerned Departments.

Item No. 7: - Website of Shivalik Development Agency (SDA).

The Hon’ble Chief Minister, Haryana inaugurated the website of Shivalik Development Agency which would provide information to all users through the website on internet.

Item No. 8: - Preparation of strategy for development of Shivalik area.

In pursuance of the decision of the last Board meeting, M/s Alternative Development Initiatives (ADI), Chandigarh was engaged to prepare a long-term strategy for overall development of Shivalik region. M/s ADI had submitted its report titled as ‘Development Vision – 2021’ and also made a presentation regarding their findings and recommendations. It was decided that the Commissioner, Ambala Division would examine it and forward his recommendations to the Financial Commissioner, revenue who would examine the report and put it up for consideration of Hon’ble Chief Minister.

Item No. 9: - Any other item with the permission of the chair.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair.