Cabinet Sub-Committee meeting held under chairmanship of Revenue Minister
Punjab Newsline, Shimla-
Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi today chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to address compensation claims in courts. The detailed discussions were held during the meeting regarding the registration of possession of all government properties, particularly Public Works Department (PWD) roads in the revenue records.
The Revenue Minister directed the officials of the PWD to instruct all Deputy Commissioners and other revenue officers to conduct girdawari (field inspection) to ensure that government properties, especially PWD roads that have existed for more than 20 years and are duly recorded in the revenue records. He asked to ensure necessary action in this regard by 1 August, 2025 and submit the compliance report to the Cabinet Sub-Committee.
He said that during the past three months, possession of 214 PWD roads across the state has been duly entered in the government’s name. Since the roads play a crucial role in overall development of the state therefore, it is imperative to keep their ownership clearly under the PWD to ensure proper upkeep and maintenance. The Minister directed the concerned departments to complete the process of registering all the PWD roads and other government properties within a stipulated timeframe.
Subsequently, the Revenue Minister chaired another session of the Cabinet Sub-Committee to review matters related to the 450 MW Shong-tong Hydroelectric project being developed by HPPCL. He said that approximately 60 percent of the construction work has been completed. He urged the officials to ensure the project to be completed before December, 2026. He expressed satisfaction over the progress and said that the positive indication indicates the early completion of the project.
The Minister said that the diversion works on the river have already been completed, while the construction of the barrage was in an advanced stage. The timely payment to workers by private contractors and to contractors by HPPCL was being ensured. He asked the company management to maintain the pace of work to ensure timely completion of the project.
The representatives of Patel Engineering Limited and ADHL Company, involved in the project presented updates on the ongoing work.
Town Planning, Housing and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani, who is also member of the sub-committee, Secretary, PWD Dr. Abhishek Jain, Managing Director, HPPCL Abid Hussain Sadiq, Special Secretary Harbans Singh Brascon and other senior officers from various departments were present in the meeting.