In a significant push towards improving people-centric outcomes, Odisha Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, IAS, chaired the second high-level review meeting of ‘Prayas’ (Proactive Governance Attempts for Yielding Results and Advancing Social Sector) at Lok Seva Bhawan today.
The state government launched the ‘Prayas’ platform to ensure regular monitoring, quick corrective action, and tangible results in critical social sectors — mirroring the Centre’s ‘Pragati’ model but with a sharp focus on health, education, nutrition, and women & child development.
During the meeting, senior officials from the departments of Health & Family Welfare, School & Mass Education, and Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities presented detailed progress reports and ground-level challenges.
Strong Focus on Maternal & Child Health
Health officials shared district-wise data on maternal and neonatal deaths. Encouragingly, regular field visits and timely interventions have already led to a reduction in maternal and newborn mortality between January and June 2026. Chief Secretary Garg directed strict adherence to referral protocols, adequate staffing in health facilities, uninterrupted supply of medicines, and zero tolerance for infection control lapses in labour rooms, operation theatres, and newborn care units. District Collectors have been asked to personally review progress with CDMO and district health officers every month and conduct hospital visits to identify and fix gaps on the spot.
Intensified Drive Against Tuberculosis
A major highlight was the review of the TB-Free India Campaign. With the national goal of eliminating TB by 2030, Odisha will intensify screening in 13,271 high-risk villages and wards. Emphasis was placed on strengthening X-ray-based screening, ensuring treatment adherence, and regular follow-up of vulnerable populations.
Every block will now have a dedicated First-Class Officer to monitor the ‘100 Days TB Elimination Campaign 2.0’. Reviews on TB will be held twice every month under both ‘Prayas’ and ‘Pragati’ platforms.
Education Quality and Retention in Focus
The meeting evaluated school performance using the Performance Grading Index (PGI) 2024-25. Officials were directed to improve foundational literacy and numeracy, fill teacher vacancies, re-enrol dropouts, and make hostels functional. Steps were also ordered to start +2 (higher secondary) classes in upgraded high schools at the earliest. A coordinated effort involving teachers, parents, and communities was stressed to curb school dropouts.
Nutrition Mission Gains Momentum
Special attention was given to reducing child malnutrition. Anganwadi centres have been asked to strengthen regular growth monitoring, home visits, and community awareness. The ‘Suposhit Odisha Mission’ aims to make all Anganwadi-covered areas malnutrition-free by 2029 through better nutrition, healthcare, and timely support for mothers and children.
Concluding the meeting, Chief Secy Garg called upon all departments and district administrations to adopt a coordinated, field-driven, and result-oriented approach. She emphasised transforming routine monitoring into a robust, problem-solving governance system to achieve noticeable improvement in human development indicators across Odisha.
