Bhubaneswar: Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Tuesday reviewed the implementation of key welfare and development programmes in Keonjhar district during her visit to attend the district-level Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana event at Shankarpur Sports Complex, where 38 couples tied the knot under the state-sponsored scheme.
Addressing officials during a review meeting held at the Collectorate’s Darbar Hall, Parida stressed the need for timely execution and close monitoring of women and child welfare programmes to ensure benefits reach the grassroots level effectively.
The Deputy Chief Minister assessed the progress of infrastructure development at Anganwadi centres across the district, including construction of buildings, drinking water facilities, electricity supply and sanitation arrangements. She also reviewed child nutrition monitoring mechanisms and implementation of the Subhadra Yojana, with particular focus on field-level verification of applications and distribution through the Face Recognition System.
Discussions during the meeting also covered the functioning of Mission Shakti, Samarthya, Shakti Sadan and Palana Crèche services, besides ongoing awareness campaigns aimed at eliminating child marriage in the district.
Emphasising the welfare of women and children, Parida directed officials to ensure proper utilisation of District Mineral Foundation (DMF) funds for development initiatives and rehabilitation support for children residing in child care institutions.
She further reviewed the status of infrastructure and beautification projects at major tourist destinations in Keonjhar, including Maa Tarini Temple, Sanaghagara, Badaghagara and Khandadhar. The review included assessment of parking facilities, pathways, sanitation and other visitor amenities.
The Deputy Chief Minister instructed officials to complete all ongoing projects within stipulated timelines and maintain regular supervision to improve service delivery and public convenience.
Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, Telkoi MLA and District Planning Committee Chairman Dr. Fakir Mohan Naik, Collector Vishal Singh, DFO Dhanaraj HD, Additional District Magistrates Mandardhar Mahalik and Dr. Priyanka Marandi, along with senior administrative officials, were present during the programme and review meeting.
