63rd Council Meeting of Western Odisha Development Council Propels Regional Progress

Bhubaneswar: The Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) convened its 63rd Council meeting at Rajiv Bhawan, with Asit Tripathy, Hon’ble Chairman, WODC, presiding over the session. The meeting welcomed members, advisers, and officers who gathered to discuss key developmental agendas.

Initiating the discussions, Tripathy expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the Government for approving a substantial enhancement of the Budgetary Allocation of WODC to Rs. 500 crore for the financial year 2024-25.

In the previous financial year (2023-24), a special grant of Rs. 125 crore was allocated for the completion of incomplete Kalyan Mandap, Community Center, and Open Mandaps. Out of this, an expenditure of Rs. 74 crore 11 lakh for the completion of 893 Mukhya Mantri Sabha Ghar was presented in the council meeting and unanimously approved.

Council Member Secretary cum Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Ajit Kumar Mishra, presented the agenda for discussion during the meeting.

The council, in this meeting, approved a budget of Rs. 128 crore 22 lakh for 1767 people-centric development projects recommended by MPs, MLAs, and others between 22nd August 2023 and 7th February 2024. Members appreciated the successful coordination and management by the Western Odisha Development Council in completing projects such as Mukhya Mantri Sabha Ghar, auditoriums, and other livelihood projects.

Chairman,  Tripathy, called for joint efforts from people’s representatives, advisers, expert members, and officers for the successful implementation of various development-oriented people-centric projects. The Advisor and all the Expert Members shared their views on district plans and future requirements during the meeting.

Tripathy highlighted the various measures taken by WODC for overall transformation, emphasizing the correct path it is now on to meet its objectives. The use of technology in GIS mapping for various projects, especially Open Mandaps, Community Centres, and Kalyan Mandaps, was demonstrated and well-appreciated by all.

Advisor Narayan Sahu and all the expert members were present in today’s council meeting. The session concluded with a vote of thanks given by Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ajit Kumar Mishra. The 63rd Council Meeting of WODC played a crucial role in propelling regional progress and development.