In a high-powered push to turn the vision of a developed Odisha into reality, Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, IAS, today chaired a crucial secretariat-level meeting at Kharavel Bhavan, where top officials reviewed landmark achievements of the first half of July, fine-tuned preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra, and charted an ambitious development roadmap for Mayurbhanj district.
The meeting was attended by the Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretaries, and Secretaries from key departments.
Chief Secretary Garg opened the discussion by highlighting several historic milestones achieved in just 15 days. These include a landmark MoU with UAE-based International Holding Company Group and Adani Enterprises for a greenfield aluminium project, major collaboration agreements with Japan’s IHI Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Company, and ACME Group for large-scale green energy projects, the 15th Standing Committee meeting of the Eastern Regional Council in Bhubaneswar, the Hon’ble Vice President’s visit to the state capital, the launch of deep-sea fishing initiatives along with the ‘Odisha Deep Sea Mission Document’, and the special honour conferred on Odisha Police by the Union Home Minister for their outstanding success against left-wing extremism. The launch of the special Puri–Koraput Express (Shri Kshetra to Sabar Shri Kshetra) was also noted with pride.
Stressing the need for flawless execution during the upcoming Rath Yatra, Chief Secretary Garg urged all Secretaries to ensure the highest level of inter-departmental coordination and service delivery. The festival begins tomorrow with the Gundicha Rath Yatra and concludes with Niladri Bije on July 27.
In a virtual presentation, Mayurbhanj District Collector Hema Kant Sai laid out a comprehensive action plan for 25 priority projects under the ‘Samruddha Mayurbhanj – Bikashita Odisha’ vision. The roadmap covers critical infrastructure upgrades — including road widening, airstrip development at Rasagobindpur, flood protection ring road and embankments in Baripada, inter-river reservoir projects on the Budhabalanga, mega lift irrigation and drinking water schemes, power infrastructure strengthening, and construction of stadiums across blocks. Special focus was given to developing Rairangpur as a model town, setting up IGNO regional and skill development centres, establishing the Godabarish Adarsha Primary School and OUAT facilities, boosting tourism infrastructure, and promoting local products such as Similipal honey and traditional tribal cuisine. The Collector also emphasised livelihood generation, maternal and child health, education, and preservation of the district’s rich cultural heritage.
Additional Chief Secretary (Industry) Hemant Sharma updated the meeting on reforms under Deregulation 2.0 aimed at improving ease of doing business. These include simplification of approval processes, self-declaration systems, and progress on the Jan Vishwas 2.0 Bill. Chief Secretary Garg directed all departments to complete these reforms within stipulated timelines.
Mission Shakti Commissioner and Secretary Manasi Nimbhal presented the transformative potential of the ‘Subhadra – Laxapati Didi’ initiative to accelerate women’s economic empowerment. She outlined plans to strengthen the Subhadra Shakti brand, support women entrepreneurs, expand market linkages through e-commerce and producer groups, and integrate self-help groups more deeply into government schemes. Regular data updating through the Digital Convergence Portal was also stressed.
In her concluding remarks, Chief Secretary Garg emphasised seamless inter-departmental coordination, greater use of technology, regular monitoring, and strict time-bound implementation of all projects so that the benefits of development reach every citizen and Odisha moves decisively towards becoming a developed state.
