Odisha asks departments to speed up project execution, reviews revenue and expenditure status

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Thursday reviewed the state’s revenue collection and departmental expenditure till the end of April and directed officials to fast-track implementation of key government projects and welfare schemes.

The review meeting, held at Kharavel Bhavan, was attended by senior officials including the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries, Additional Chief Secretaries and Commissioner-cum-Secretaries of different departments.

During the meeting, departments were asked to improve fund utilisation and ensure timely execution of projects related to infrastructure, agriculture, industry and social development. Officials also reviewed compliance on directions issued by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi through official communications, with pending departments being asked to submit reports without delay.

A presentation on Jal Jeevan Mission-2.0 was also made, highlighting efforts to strengthen uninterrupted rural drinking water supply through coordinated action among departments.

The meeting additionally focused on Ganjam district’s long-term development roadmap. Ganjam Collector Kirtivasan V. presented 25 major proposals aligned with Odisha Vision objectives, which received appreciation from the participants.

Among the key proposals were development of Gopalpur as an international-standard tourism hub, expansion of Berhampur city infrastructure, construction of the Bahuda deep-sea port, development of Aryapalli fishing harbour and implementation of the Pipalpanka irrigation project.

Plans were also discussed for upgrading MKCG Medical College and Hospital into an AIIMS-plus category institution, expansion of NH-16 into a six-lane corridor, construction of the Kansariganda reservoir project on Rushikulya river and providing mega piped water supply to remaining blocks of the district.

The district administration further proposed establishment of a Textile Park, promotion of kewra-based perfume and dried fish industries, creation of a Kalinga Stadium-model sports complex, setting up of a World Skill Centre and development of tourism clusters and livelihood projects aimed at reducing distress migration.

Chief Secretary Garg stressed the need for planned urban redevelopment in Berhampur to reduce congestion and called for the development of MSME clusters to boost regional economic growth. Senior officials assured support for timely implementation of the proposed projects.