Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday reviewed the State government’s key achievements during the first half of July and directed all departments to ensure seamless coordination for the smooth conduct of the annual Rath Yatra while expediting priority development and governance reforms across the state.
Chairing a secretaries-level meeting at Kharavel Bhavan, Garg assessed the progress of major initiatives in the presence of Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretaries, the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and senior secretaries of various departments.
The Chief Secretary highlighted several significant developments achieved during the first 15 days of July, including the signing of a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding between the State Government, UAE-based International Holding Company Group and Adani Enterprises for a greenfield aluminium project. She also referred to the cooperation agreement signed with Japan’s IHI Corporation, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company and ACME Group for large-scale green energy projects.
Other key milestones reviewed during the meeting included the hosting of the 15th meeting of the Permanent Committee of the Eastern Zonal Council in Bhubaneswar, the Vice President’s visit to Odisha, the launch of the Odisha Deep Sea Mission Document along with initiatives for sustainable deep-sea fishing, a special commendation from the Union Home Minister to Odisha Police for its success in combating Left-Wing Extremism, and the inauguration of the Puri-Koraput Express connecting Shree Kshetra and Sabar Shree Kshetra.
With the Rath Yatra commencing on Thursday, the Chief Secretary instructed all departments to provide the best possible public services and ensure smooth management of the festival from the Shree Gundicha Yatra through Niladri Bije on July 27.
The meeting also focused on the long-term development of Mayurbhanj district. Joining virtually, Mayurbhanj Collector Hemakanta Say presented a roadmap for implementing 25 priority projects aimed at transforming the district under the Viksit Odisha vision.
The projects include the upgradation of Dandabose and Rasgovindpur airstrips, widening of Bangiriposi Ghat, construction of a bus terminal and ring road in Baripada, flood protection works, road expansion, irrigation and drinking water projects, power infrastructure improvement, sports facilities, livelihood programmes, establishment of a Godabarish Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya, an OUAT campus, tourism infrastructure, development of Rairangpur as a model town, and creation of industrial and skill development centres.
Senior officials from various departments offered suggestions on project implementation, while special emphasis was placed on promoting Similipal honey, traditional foods, local entrepreneurship and tourism. Stressing the need for sustainable livelihoods in the tribal-dominated district, Garg directed departments to strengthen inter-departmental coordination to accelerate implementation and preserve the region’s cultural heritage while pursuing holistic development.
During the meeting, Additional Chief Secretary of the Industries Department Hemant Sharma reviewed progress under Deregulation 2.0, outlining measures to improve the ease of doing business through simplification of approval processes, elimination of redundant clearances, expansion of self-certification systems, implementation of Jan Vishwas 2.0 reforms and support for MSMEs. The Chief Secretary asked all departments to complete the reform measures within the prescribed timeline.
Mission Shakti Commissioner-cum-Secretary Manasi Nimbhal presented strategies to strengthen women’s economic empowerment under the Subhadra-Lakhpati Didi initiative. The presentation focused on expanding the Subhadra Shakti brand, promoting women entrepreneurs, improving market linkages, leveraging e-commerce platforms, strengthening producer groups and increasing the participation of self-help groups in government programmes. Departments were also asked to regularly update progress through the Digital Convergence Portal.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of inter-departmental coordination, technology-driven governance, regular monitoring and timely execution of projects to achieve the objectives of Viksit Odisha while ensuring that development benefits reach people across the state.
