Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday reviewed measures to strengthen good governance and outcome-based administration during a secretaries-level meeting held at Kharavel Bhawan, while also taking stock of an ambitious development roadmap for Angul district under the “Viksit Angul” vision.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, additional chief secretaries of various departments and departmental secretaries.
Reviewing the implementation of government schemes, Garg stressed the need for a more efficient, transparent, accountable and people-centric administration through prompt evaluation and monitoring mechanisms. Discussions focused on strengthening the implementation of the Odisha Public Service Guarantee Act and establishing a rapid assessment system to improve service delivery and governance outcomes.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted notable achievements recorded by different departments during May and directed officials to make necessary arrangements for the proposed visit of the President and the Prime Minister to Rairangpur on June 30.
During the meeting, Finance Department Principal Secretary Sanjeev Kumar Mishra outlined the proposed “Rapid Survey Based Assessment” system for evidence-based evaluation of government schemes and programmes. He said the mechanism would facilitate quick field-level feedback, enabling authorities to identify shortcomings, undertake mid-course corrections, support policy formulation and enhance outcome-oriented governance.
The meeting further reviewed initiatives aimed at regulatory simplification in the Industries Department and other sectors to reduce procedural complexities and unnecessary approvals. Progress in filling vacant posts across departments and clearance of pending government electricity dues also came up for discussion.
Angul Collector Abdaal M. Akhtar presented an overview of 26 major infrastructure and development projects planned under the “Viksit Angul” initiative. Among the key proposals are a 112.56-km external rail corridor from Budhapank via Tentuloi to Luburi and a 50-km internal rail corridor connecting Putugadia and Tentuloi to facilitate efficient transportation of coal and minerals and boost industrial growth.
The Collector also highlighted plans relating to the upgradation of National Highways 53 and 149, Talcher-Bimalagarh rail connectivity and development of National Waterway-5.
He informed the meeting that significant progress had been made in resolving issues in mining-affected areas and presented a roadmap for projects scheduled between March and December 2027. These include five mega piped water supply projects, expansion of the Aluminium Park, operationalisation of Pabitra Mohan Medical College and Hospital, development of the Malyagiri-Rengali-Manjur Eco-Tourism Circuit and transformation of Satkosia into a world-class tourist destination.
