Bhubaneswar: A secretaries-level meeting was held on Thursday under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anu Garg at the Conference Hall of Kharavela Bhawan, focusing on implementation of key government programmes, budget expenditure, revenue collection and project monitoring across departments.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretaries Surendra Kumar and Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretaries of various departments, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Saswat Mishra, and Principal Secretaries and Commissioners-cum-Secretaries from all departments.
At the outset, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of monthly district field visits by Secretaries. She directed that during district tours, Secretaries must specifically review the progress of ongoing drinking water projects, identify reasons for delays, and suggest corrective measures. Highlighting drinking water as a basic necessity, she noted that early completion of piped water supply projects would significantly benefit rural populations across the state.
The meeting reviewed the implementation status of 15 key programmes directed by the Chief Minister. Departments were assessed on the steps taken to ensure timely execution and achievement of programme objectives.
The financial position of the state for the 2025–26 financial year was reviewed. Department-wise expenditure up to December 2025 was examined in line with approved budget allocations. Detailed reviews were conducted across sectors including agriculture and allied sectors, revenue, social sector, and other departments.
It was noted that overall departmental expenditure has increased by 10 percent compared to the previous year, while programme expenditure has risen by 15 percent. Revenue collection from various sources recorded an increase of 7.82 percent over the previous financial year. Departments were directed to meet their targeted revenue goals.
Secretaries were also advised on preparing new proposals for the upcoming budget and were instructed to conduct special reviews on the utilization of central assistance funds.
The Law Department informed the meeting that several outdated laws remain in force in the state. Secretaries were asked to examine such laws in their respective departments and propose their repeal or withdrawal where they are no longer relevant.
It was announced that monthly virtual review meetings with District Collectors on developmental works and project implementation will be held on the 16th of every month. However, due to pre-scheduled government programmes, the January meeting will be held on January 22 instead.
Additionally, the State-Level Single Window Clearance Authority meeting and progress review of MoU-signed projects will be conducted on the third Tuesday of every month.
The Chief Secretary directed all departmental heads to ensure timely completion of works, strict adherence to budget approvals, and regular monitoring of expenditures to achieve targeted outcomes.
