In a significant review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, Odisha’s Chief Secretary Anu Garg, IAS, chaired a crucial discussion with District Collectors to ensure seamless execution of several high-priority initiatives.
The meeting focused on the smooth conduct of the upcoming NEET-2026 re-examination, expedited land identification for compensatory afforestation, stringent fire safety measures in health facilities, and infrastructure strengthening for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and Large-sized Adivasi Multipurpose Societies (LAMPS).
NEET-2026 Re-Exam: All-Out Preparations Underway
With the re-examination scheduled for June 21, 2026, the Chief Secretary directed district administrations to leave no stone unturned for its smooth and incident-free conduct. Free bus services will be provided for candidates travelling between nearby railway stations, bus stands, and exam centres. Given the overlap with International Yoga Day, officials were asked to coordinate both events efficiently.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Hemant Sharma briefed the participants on detailed security and logistical arrangements.
Push for Compensatory Afforestation
The meeting placed strong emphasis on identifying suitable government land for compensatory afforestation to balance infrastructure development with environmental protection. Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue & Disaster Management) Dr Arabind Kumar Padhee highlighted the creation of a dedicated land bank for this purpose.
District Collectors were instructed to fast-track land identification and data updation to accelerate green cover expansion across the state.
Fire Safety in Health Institutions Gets Top Priority
Reviewing the health sector, the Chief Secretary directed all districts to ensure the highest standards of fire and electrical safety in hospitals. Key instructions included immediate rectification of deficiencies, regular fire safety audits, mock drills, and timely renewal of fire safety certificates. Other health-related action points included medicine availability, diagnostic services, vaccination progress, TB elimination drive, the ‘Stop Diarrhoea’ campaign (June 16 to July 31), and securing land records for government hospitals.
Infrastructure Boost for PACS & LAMPS
Cooperation Secretary Rajesh Prabhakar Patil stressed the need to accelerate the construction of office buildings and godowns for PACS and LAMPS. Land allotment processes are to be completed urgently.
The government aims to create world-class storage facilities under the “World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan” and transform these societies into multifaceted agricultural service centres in the near future.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with other senior officials, also participated in the meeting. Several district collectors joined virtually, while others attended in person.
The high-level meeting underscores the Odisha government’s commitment to synchronised governance, balancing urgent public needs like education, health, environment, and rural economy.
