The Rural Development Department of Odisha convened a critical state-level review meeting today at the EIC Office in Bhubaneswar, chaired by Minister Rabi Narayan Naik.
The meeting focused on accelerating the progress of rural infrastructure projects, including housing, roads, and bridges, while emphasising accountability and quality.
The review covered the performance of all 60 divisions under the department, with a spotlight on Odisha’s exemplary performance under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-4). Districts like Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada were lauded for their saturation-mode implementation. Minister Naik commended officials for their efforts but urged underperforming divisions to take corrective measures and assume greater responsibility.
For the financial year 2025–26, the department has set ambitious targets: constructing 5,000 km of roads across 521 projects under the Mukhyamantri Sadak Yojana (MMSY), 400 bridges under the Setu Bandhan Yojana, and 253 buildings. Naik underscored the state government’s commitment to rural development under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with plans to build 30,000 km of roads and 500 bridges over the next five years.
To ensure timely execution, Naik introduced strict measures, including salary deductions for officers responsible for delays and departmental action for substandard work. A dedicated regional team will monitor delayed projects, and monthly construction targets will be set for each division to enhance accountability.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary Smt. Yamini Sarangi provided updates on ongoing projects, while EICs Pradeep Kumar Jena, Prasanna Kumar Sahu, and Debendra Seth presented detailed reports. Senior officials, including Sarbeswar Singh, Smt. Geetarani Pattnayak, Smt. Sanghamitra Satapathy and regional officers from all 60 divisions attended the meeting, receiving clear directives to prioritise quality and timelines.
The Rural Development Department’s efforts align with Odisha’s broader vision of transforming rural connectivity and infrastructure, aiming to uplift the lives of millions in rural areas over the coming years.
