Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Haribabu Kambhampati on Tuesday underscored the need to ensure that the benefits of central and state government schemes reach every intended beneficiary.
Chairing a review meeting of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department at the New Abhishek Hall of Raj Bhavan, the Governor directed officials to complete all ongoing projects within their stipulated deadlines.
During the session, he conducted a detailed review of the Jal Jeevan Mission’s implementation in Odisha, particularly the progress in providing piped drinking water connections under its rural component. Stressing that clean and safe drinking water is a basic necessity, the Governor said it is a top priority of the government, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision. He urged the authorities to address challenges faced by implementing agencies while ensuring quality, timely completion, and the long-term sustainability of projects.
Highlighting the critical role of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department in transforming rural life, Kambhampati said proper execution of government programs can significantly improve living standards. He also called for bringing the panchayat system closer to the people, noting that decentralised programs make governance more responsive and easier to monitor. In this context, he suggested exploring the possibility of increasing the number of gram panchayats in the state.
Earlier, Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water, and Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik welcomed the Governor and outlined the government’s commitment to strengthening the panchayat system and advancing rural development. He said the state administration is working towards building a developed Odisha through various welfare schemes.
