Bhubaneswar: In a bid to drive inclusive development in Southern Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the formation of a Task Force to outline the framework for the Southern Odisha Development Council (SODC). Majhi made the announcement in the Odisha Assembly on Monday.
The Task Force, comprising nine members and three ex-officio members, will provide recommendations on the council’s formation, structure, working methodology, and jurisdiction. It is tasked with submitting its report to the state government within 30 days of its formation.
Led by Nityananda Gond, Minister for School & Mass Education, the Task Force includes prominent members such as Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Minister Gokulananda Mallik, and MPs Balabhadra Majhi, Siddhant Mohapatra, Narasingh Madkami, Rupesh Kumar Panigrahi, Umacharana Mallik, and Ramachandra Madkami.
The Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs) of the Southern and Central Divisions, along with the CEO of the Western Odisha Development Council, will serve as ex-officio members. The Special Secretary of the Planning and Coordination Department has been designated as the Member Convener.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the council aims to ensure equitable growth across all communities and regions in Southern Odisha, addressing their unique developmental needs.
