J&K Minister for Rural Development, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar has said that within months Panchayats would be in place to ensure proper utilization of funds for massive development of rural landscape. The Minister was addressing a review meeting of the officers of Rural Development Department of Jammu division. <br/> <br/>Mr. Sagar said that the wage budget for MG NREGA has been allocated by the Centre to the tune of Rs 560 crore. The Minister , while complementing the officers, for taking measures to ensure maximum utilization of funds said that it is heartening to know that Rs 139 crore have been spent in Jammu division, thereby registering 95 percent utilization of the funds earmarked for the scheme. <br/> <br/>He said that 13927 works have been completed under the scheme and asked the officers to speed up the pace of work and also ensure that the funds earmarked are properly utilized and the benefit reaches the targeted populace.<br/> <br/>The Minister further stated that the Centre has increased the amount of assistance being provided under Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) from Rs 35000 to Rs. 48500. He directed the officers to maintain utmost care while preparing the list of the beneficiaries to be covered under the scheme. <br/> <br/>The meeting was told that an amount of Rs 66.59 crore has been spent on 58 model villages, being undertaken under the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction Plan. <br/> <br/>