Bhubaneswar: Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Thursday held a comprehensive review meeting with all District Collectors of Odisha, emphasizing the need for districts to function as economic zones and engines of growth in line with the state’s Odisha Vision. The meeting was held at Lok Seva Bhawan, with all District Collectors participating virtually, alongside secretaries from various departments.
While underlining the importance of routine administrative responsibilities, the Chief Secretary directed District Collectors to closely monitor the progress of major development projects in their respective districts. She advised them to identify the top 25 major projects in each district and regularly review their implementation. Special emphasis was laid on strict monitoring of large drinking water projects, with department secretaries instructed to prioritize these during district visits.
Chief Secretary Garg also stressed the role of district administration in facilitating industrial development and directed field-level officers to extend necessary cooperation and infrastructure support to industries being set up across the state.
In the health sector, District Collectors were instructed to conduct monthly reviews of health department activities, take focused steps to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, and assess the availability and quality of medical services in district hospitals.
Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh informed the meeting that, as per earlier instructions, review meetings with District Collectors will now be held on the 16th of every month. If the date coincides with a Monday or a holiday, the meeting will be held on the following day, the 17th.
During the meeting, the Development Commissioner also discussed the management of District Mineral Funds. Additional Chief Secretary Chitra Arumugam reviewed the progress of establishing District Science Centres and Planetariums, and the implementation of welfare measures for construction workers.
The meeting also focused on increasing awareness and implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. Officials from the Housing and Urban Development Department reviewed affordable housing projects in urban areas, implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban 2.0, and the Mukhyamantri Sahari Vikash Yojana aimed at making urban roads pothole-free.
Progress on the construction of playgrounds in all 314 blocks of the state was reviewed. To address land-related bottlenecks, the Revenue Department has been directed to resolve land issues and arrange suitable land by January 31.
Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh discussed paddy procurement operations, construction of storage godowns, e-KYC implementation, and the functioning of the Public Distribution System across districts.
Secretaries from the Women and Child Development Department and other departments also participated, issuing necessary instructions and guidance to District Collectors regarding their monitoring roles and responsibilities at the district level.
