Bidar: Minister Khandre Tells Officials to Curb Distress Migration

Bidar: Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister and Bidar district in-charge Eshwar Khandre on Wednesday told officials to prevent distress migration from the district, warning that action would be taken against the officials concerned if cases of distress migration are reported.

Chairing a review meeting at the Zilla Panchayat hall, Khandre reviewed the drinking water situation in urban and rural areas besides the progress of the VBG Ramji and Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes.

Khandre's directions come against the backdrop of concerns over possible distress migration from various parts of the state following deficient rainfall, drought-like conditions, and limited employment opportunities in some areas.

The minister said employment opportunities available under the VBG Ramji scheme should be fully utilised to prevent migration. He instructed officials to provide work without delay to those seeking employment and ensure that job cards are issued promptly.

Expressing concern over the implementation of the 'Har Ghar Jal' programme, Khandre said that although 644 villages in Bidar have been declared as villages with tap water connections to every household, officials must ensure that the declaration is reflected on the ground. He directed Taluk Panchayat Executive Officers and Tahsildars to jointly inspect all the notified villages, verify that drinking water is being supplied regularly to every household and resolve any shortcomings within 15 days.

Referring to complaints of shortage of DAP and other fertilisers, Khandre instructed officials to ensure uninterrupted supply to farmers. He also said farmers approaching banks to enrol under the crop insurance scheme should not be turned away and directed officials to coordinate with Lead Bank authorities so that insurance registration is completed without inconvenience.