In a significant push towards holistic development, Odisha’s Chief Secretary Anu Garg convened a virtual meeting with all district collectors today at the Lok Seva Bhawan conference hall.
Joined by secretaries from various departments, the session focused on reviewing ongoing projects and charting a roadmap for economic growth across the state.
Garg emphasised the need for district collectors to routinely monitor routine administrative tasks while prioritising large-scale development initiatives. Aligning with the ‘Odisha Vision’, she advised transforming each district into an economic hub and an engine of growth. Collectors were instructed to identify and scrutinise the progress of the top 25 projects in their districts, with special attention to major drinking water schemes. Department secretaries are also directed to oversee these during their field visits.
The meeting outlined a structured review mechanism, with future sessions scheduled for the 16th of every month (or the 17th if it falls on a holiday or Monday), as announced by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh.
Key discussions included fostering industrial growth, where field officers were urged to provide necessary support and facilities. Health sector priorities featured prominently, with directives for monthly reviews of programs, measures to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and assessments of district hospital services.
Mining district funds management was reviewed by the Development Commissioner. Progress on establishing district science centres and planetariums was discussed in the presence of Additional Chief Secretary Chithra Arumugam, alongside provisions for construction workers’ welfare.
Awareness campaigns for the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana were highlighted to enhance its implementation. Urban development topics covered include affordable housing under various schemes, PMAY-Urban 2.0, and the Chief Minister’s Urban Development Yojana, including drain-free urban roads.
A major focus was on constructing playgrounds in all 314 blocks, with land issues to be resolved by the Revenue Department by January 31. Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh addressed paddy procurement, storage enhancements, e-KYC, and public distribution systems.
Secretaries from departments like Women and Child Development participated, discussing district-level oversight roles and providing necessary guidance to collectors.
This meeting underscores the state’s commitment to balanced growth, ensuring that development reaches every corner of Odisha through coordinated efforts at the grassroots level.
