In a significant step towards strengthening rural infrastructure across the state, the first meeting of the High Power Committee (HPC) on the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for the financial year 2026-27 was held today at Lok Seva Bhavan.
The meeting was chaired by Deoranjan Kumar Singh, IAS, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary to the Government of Odisha. Senior officials, including Principal Secretary Finance Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary Works Sanjay Kumar Singh, and Commissioners-cum-Secretaries of key departments such as Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water, MSME, Rural Development, and Fisheries & Animal Resources Development, participated. Chief General Manager of NABARD, Vinod Arya, was also present.
Highlighting Odisha’s consistent excellent performance in utilising RIDF funds, the Committee strongly impressed upon NABARD to consider sanctioning a higher number of projects for the state in the current financial year. Officials noted that timely execution and efficient fund absorption have positioned Odisha as a top-performing state under the scheme.
Implementing departments were directed to accelerate ongoing work and submit reimbursement claims within the stipulated timelines. The Committee stressed the importance of filing claims promptly after expenditure to ensure smooth and timely disbursement of funds from NABARD.
Discussions also focused on prioritising sectors that deliver maximum impact. Greater emphasis was placed on priority and eligible activities under RIDF. The Committee approved a set of spill-over and new projects covering critical areas including irrigation, flood protection, road and bridge connectivity, and godown infrastructure.
In addition, the HPC cleared projects under the Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) of the Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department. Progress under both the Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) and FIDF was reviewed to ensure continued momentum.
The decisions taken today are expected to further strengthen rural connectivity, water security, and agricultural storage facilities across Odisha, aligning with the state’s broader goals of inclusive and sustainable rural development.
