Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Wednesday chaired a secretaries-level meeting and directed all departments to strengthen data-driven governance, maximise the use of technology, improve inter-departmental coordination and ensure time-bound implementation of development programmes.
The meeting, attended by senior bureaucrats including Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh and other additional chief secretaries and departmental secretaries, reviewed key governance priorities, departmental performance and the progress of major development initiatives.
Garg highlighted the state’s recent initiatives, including the Women Entrepreneurs Platform (WEP), free education from KG to PG, the Chief Minister Annapurna Yojana, expansion of nutritious food programmes, enhanced reservation in technical and professional education, and achievements in sports, industry and startups.
Discussions focused on making governance more transparent, efficient and citizen-centric through technology, evidence-based policymaking, scientific research, data analysis and better resource utilisation.
The meeting also reviewed Odisha’s collaboration with J-PAL in sectors such as education, agriculture, labour, food supply, women’s empowerment and governance, while exploring future cooperation in climate change, migrant workers, labour markets and artificial intelligence.
Reviewing the state’s finances, the Finance Department reported a significant increase in programme expenditure during the first quarter of the current financial year compared with the corresponding period last year. The Chief Secretary directed departments to ensure optimal budget utilisation, accelerate capital expenditure and complete projects within stipulated timelines.
The Electronics and Information Technology Department showcased an AI-powered Odia language voice bot designed to gather beneficiary feedback on government schemes and an Odia Optical Character Recognition (OCR) system to digitise handwritten government records.
The meeting also reviewed a roadmap comprising 25 strategic projects to transform Jharsuguda into an integrated development model. Jharsuguda Collector Kunal Motiram Chauhan presented plans covering health, education, industry, transport, airport expansion, digital services and green energy to promote investment, employment and public welfare.
The Chief Electoral Officer sought active cooperation from district administrations for the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) programme to improve the accuracy of electoral rolls.
The Chief Secretary also directed departments to ensure coordinated execution of post-Rath Yatra public service and management activities under the “Team Odisha” approach, reiterating the government’s focus on citizen-centric service delivery and timely achievement of development targets.
