Odisha’s Rural Development Department held a key review meeting in Bhubaneswar on April 9, chaired by Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.
The session assessed achievements of 2025–26 and set new goals for 2026–27.
Commissioner and Secretary Yamini Sarangi reported that the department utilised 89.45 per cent of allocated funds in 2025–26. Odisha ranked eighth nationally in implementing the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana but secured the top position for innovation and use of new technology in road construction. Minister Naik congratulated officials and staff for the achievement.
He urged the department to build on past success and set higher targets. He emphasised timely tender processes before the monsoon to ensure faster project execution. The minister directed officials to accelerate connectivity projects under “Mission Power,” which aims to link unconnected villages with all-weather roads.
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Chief Minister’s Road Plan and other schemes. Officials discussed strategies to ensure equitable development across districts. Naik stressed that repairing and strengthening old roads is as important as building new ones, noting that strong infrastructure builds public trust in government.
Senior officials, including Special Secretary Sarbeshwar Singh and Chief Engineer Pradeep Kumar Jena, attended along with circle and division heads. The meeting served as a platform for exchanging ideas on improved processes and innovative practices.
