Bhubaneswar: In a comprehensive review meeting held today at Lok Seva Bhawan, Minister of Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Rabi Narayan Naik reviewed the implementation of several flagship schemes aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure and livelihoods across Odisha.
Chairing the meeting at the conference hall of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Minister Naik directed senior departmental officials—including Chief Development Officers, Executive Officers, and Group Development Officers—to accelerate work under key initiatives such as Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha, Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana (PMAY-G), and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
The Minister emphasized the transformative potential of the Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha initiative, stating that its successful implementation could significantly enhance the overall prosperity of the state.
The initiative focuses on the integrated development of villages through improved infrastructure such as roads, school expansions, libraries, children’s play areas, and the renovation of traditional structures like village ponds and Bhagabata Tungis.
Progress in the provision of clean drinking water was also reviewed, with the Minister stressing the need for timely completion of ongoing water supply projects.
Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department, Girish S. N., presented an update on the progress of various schemes. He was joined by Special Project Director Jyoti Prakash Das, Drinking Water Director Vineet Bhardwaj, ORMAS CEO Chakravarthi Singh Rathore, and Panchayati Raj Director Dr. Maheswar Swain. The officials briefed the Minister on implementation status, challenges faced, and the way forward.
The meeting also witnessed virtual participation from field-level officers across the state, who received direct instructions from the Minister to ensure effective and transparent execution of developmental programs.
