Press Release As per the orders of the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru. C. Joseph Vijay, a State-level review meeting of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department was held today (30.07.2026) at Panagal Maligai, Chennai, chaired by the Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development and Water Resources, Thiru. N. Anand. Addressing the review meeting, the Hon'ble Minister stated that the Government of Tamil Nadu has developed the "Vision Vetri Tamizhagam" development programme based on the vision of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, and that various welfare schemes are being continuously implemented through the Rural Development Department to achieve its goals. He stated that various new schemes aimed at ensuring the social and economic advancement of rural people are under the Government's consideration and are expected to be announced in the Policy Note for 2026-2027. As per the directions of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, he directed that all schemes being implemented under the Rural Development Department must be completed with quality within the stipulated timeframe. Appreciation was expressed for the excellent work being carried out in several districts. At the same time, shortfalls in achieving targets in some districts were pointed out, and officials were directed to take immediate corrective action. It was emphasised that pending works under all schemes — including the Pradhan Mantri Adi-Vasi Gramin Awaas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin, State Rural Housing Scheme, Tsunami Houses Repair Scheme, the scheme for constructing houses in rehabilitation camps for Sri Lankan Tamil refugees, and the Chief Minister's Village Roads Improvement Scheme — must be completed swiftly. It was also requested that the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika (Gramin) scheme be implemented effectively. With the northeast monsoon approaching, based on the concept "Rainwater is Lifewater," it was stated that minor irrigation tanks, ponds and other water bodies under the control of the Rural Development Department must be restored and desilted on a war footing, thereby ensuring agricultural growth and drinking water supply for rural populations. It was emphasised that district administrations must pay greater attention to the functioning of clean drinking water supply, the Swachh Bharat Mission, and solid waste management schemes. As per the orders of the Hon'ble Chief Minister, the Hon'ble Minister directed that the following actions be taken up on priority: 1. Priority must be given to the desilting and maintenance of all water bodies. 2. Water bodies must be desilted and maintained using CSR funds obtained from corporates, with their participation. 3. The services of voluntary organisations such as Rotary Club and Lions Club must be fully utilised. 4. All coordination measures required for these organisations must be undertaken. 5. Memoranda of Understanding relating to CSR funds must be executed as per government orders. 6. Petitions received from corporates and NGOs must be inspected on the ground within a week, and Memoranda of Understanding signed immediately thereafter. 7. Required no-objection certificates must be issued without delay. 8. All actions must be carried out transparently and in a manner that avoids complaints. 9. All water bodies must be desilted and maintained before the onset of the northeast monsoon. It was further directed that rainwater harvesting structures built in all government offices, schools, primary health centres, government hospitals, Panchayat Union offices and Village Panchayat offices must be properly maintained, and that approval for new buildings should be granted only after confirming that rainwater harvesting structures are mandatorily included in the plan. Finally, the Hon'ble Minister stated that the role of the Rural Development Department is crucial to the successful implementation of the "Vetri Tamizhagam" vision programme, and requested that officials at all levels work with full dedication to complete schemes with quality within the stipulated timeframe and bring credit to the department. The meeting was attended by Thiru. Prashant M. Wadnere, IAS, Secretary to Government, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Tmt. Pe. Amudhavalli, IAS, Commissioner, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, all Additional Directors of the Directorate, Chief Engineers, Joint Directors, Superintending Engineers, Additional District Collectors (Development), Project Directors, Executive Engineers and senior officials. Issued by: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9