Odisha’s Chief Secretary, Anu Garg, convened a virtual meeting with all District Collectors to assess the progress of various government development schemes and programs at the district level.
The meeting, attended by the Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with principal secretaries and commissioners from relevant departments, focused on ensuring the timely implementation of key initiatives.
Discussions centred on funds allocated under schemes such as the Member of Legislative Assembly Local Area Development Fund (MLALAD), Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS), and the “Chief Minister’s Special Assistance” program across different years. Emphasis was placed on expediting incomplete projects within stipulated timelines and initiating those yet to commence. The Chief Secretary urged collectors to prioritise these efforts to maximise public benefits.
A significant portion of the meeting addressed challenges in minor mineral management. Development Commissioner Singh highlighted the importance of District Survey Reports (DSRs) for identifying and managing mineral resources. Districts that have not yet submitted their DSRs were directed to do so promptly to streamline operations.
The session also reviewed proposed airport and heliport projects in various districts, tackling issues related to land acquisition and compensatory afforestation. Commerce and Transport Department Principal Secretary NBS Rajput participated in these deliberations, stressing coordinated action to resolve bottlenecks.
Further, the meeting discussed infrastructure needs for the Excise Department, including district offices, excise stations, mobile units, and range offices. Excise Department Principal Secretary Bhaskar Jyoti Sharma advised collectors to identify suitable locations where facilities are lacking to enhance operational efficiency.
In the water supply sector, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish SN and Director Vineet Bhardwaj presented updates on mega drinking water projects. The review covered the current status, inter-departmental coordination challenges, and measures to accelerate work. Instructions were issued to complete land acquisition, ensure power supply, and resolve other hurdles. Single village drinking water schemes and solar-powered water projects across the state must be finished by March 2026.
Senior officials from the Planning and Convergence Department and other related departments were present, contributing to a comprehensive evaluation of ongoing efforts.
This meeting underscores the state government’s commitment to grassroots development, aiming to bridge gaps in infrastructure and resource management for sustainable progress in Odisha.
