A high-level review meeting on various issues related to Kotia was held under the chairmanship of Suresh Pujari, Minister of Revenue and Disaster Management at the conference hall of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department in Lok Seva Bhawan.
Minister Pujari advised that all developmental programmes of the Government should be implemented smoothly to win the confidence and hearts of the people of Kotia.
It was informed in the meeting that several developmental schemes of the Government have already been implemented in Kotia Gram Panchayat, which has a population of more than ten thousand. The Sub-Collector of Koraput is presently functioning as the Nodal Officer for Kotia. However, steps are being taken to appoint an OAS officer as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) for Kotia.
Under the Collector’s “Developed Kotia” initiative, the Skill Development and Technical Education Department has provided special training to women and youth, creating opportunities for their employment in various sectors. The relaxation of entrance examination norms for admission of Kotia students into Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya is under consideration. In this context, the Revenue Minister directed that meritorious students be provided better facilities in Bhubaneswar for quality higher education after completion of their Class X annual examinations. He also instructed that the construction of the hostel of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya at Kotia be completed before the next academic year.
To strengthen healthcare services in the Kotia region, arrangements have been made for ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ and regular health camps. The Minister advised departmental officers to take steps to upgrade the existing Primary Health Centre into a Community Health Centre and to ensure the appointment of specialist doctors in paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and general medicine. He was also apprised of the successful functioning of the Mobile Healthcare Services deployed in Kotia.
Minister Pujari reviewed the progress of road connectivity projects linking Kotia and Deomali and directed that the works be completed within the stipulated time. He also instructed that all developmental activities be expedited to develop Deomali, known as the “Kashmir of Odisha,” into a major tourist destination. Minister Pujari advised the district administration and concerned officials to ensure renovation of the Jagannath Temples at Ganjeipadar and Deomali and to celebrate the upcoming Rath Yatra in a more grand and vibrant manner.
Minister Pujari further directed for extensive development of beekeeping, millet cultivation, vegetable farming, tamarind, strawberry, dragon fruit and turmeric cultivation in the Kotia region. He emphasised enhancing the skills of Self-Help Groups to make them more self-reliant. During the meeting, he instructed senior officials of various departments to extend all necessary support to the Koraput District Collector for the overall development of Kotia. He also advised senior officials to personally visit the Kotia region, stay overnight, and experience the ground realities firsthand.
The meeting was attended by Girish S. N., Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Dr Pabitra Mohan Samal, Principal Secretary, Law Department, Shubha Sharma, Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development Department, Dr N. Tirumala Nayak, Commissioner-cum-Secretary, School and Mass Education Department, D. Prashant Kumar Reddy; Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Department, Madhusmita Sahu, Additional Secretary to Govt, Revenue and Disaster Management Department along with other senior departmental officers.
The meeting was also attended by the South-Western Range DIG, Manoj Satyaban Mahajan, District Collector, Koraput, SP, Pattangi BDO, Pattangi Tehasildar, Forest Range Officer, Panchayat Samiti Chairman, IIC of the local police station and the Sarpanch of Kotia Gram Panchayat through video conferencing. The Minister interacted personally with all participants, discussed various issues, and deliberated on their possible solutions.
