Bhubaneswar: In a move aimed at ensuring quality infrastructure development and greater transparency in public works, the Odisha government on Saturday reviewed the process of determining construction material prices across the state.
A high-level meeting chaired by Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh was held at Lok Seva Bhawan to discuss the fixation of rates for materials used in the construction of buildings, roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects.
Officials said the government is focusing on the use of quality materials to enhance the durability of public infrastructure while ensuring that construction material prices accurately reflect prevailing market conditions. The exercise is expected to improve transparency in project execution, accelerate construction activities and facilitate the efficient utilisation of public funds.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on interpreting notifications and rate schedules issued by agencies including the Central Public Works Department (CPWD), the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the State Labour Commission, Odisha Forest Development Corporation, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (HPCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL).
The deliberations covered the determination of rates for a wide range of construction materials, including sand, gravel, cement, bricks and bitumen, besides electrical items, furniture and other miscellaneous materials required for infrastructure projects. The procedures to be followed for arriving at accurate and realistic prices were also discussed.
Emphasising the need for timely completion of the exercise, Singh directed officials to expedite the process so that ongoing and upcoming construction projects can progress without delay.
The meeting was attended by Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) and Special Secretary of the Works Department Er. L.K. Padhi, EIC (Civil) Er. Satyabrata Behera, EIC (Design, Planning and Coordination) Er. Sameer Hota, EIC (Roads) Er. Dhyanachand Nayak, Chief Engineers Er. Priyabrata Samantaray, Er. Shibabrata Taria and Er. Arvind Tripathi, Finance Advisor Ratikanta Mahapatra, along with senior officials from the Water Resources, Housing and Urban Development, Rural Development, and Panchayati Raj departments.
