Odisha Gears Up for Vice President’s Visit, Chief Secretary Reviews Preparations

Bhubaneswar: Ahead of the Vice President of India’s visit to Odisha on July 9, the State Government on Friday stepped up preparations, with Chief Secretary Anu Garg directing all departments to ensure flawless coordination and comprehensive arrangements for the high-profile engagements.

A high-level review meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary at Lok Seva Bhavan assessed the preparedness of various departments responsible for security, protocol, transportation, traffic management, medical services and civic infrastructure during the visit.

The Vice President is scheduled to participate in the national launch programme of the Letter of Authorisation for Indian-flagged vessels engaged in high-seas fishing. He will also attend the 15th Convocation Ceremony of the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) at Khordha as the Chief Guest, where he will deliver the convocation address.

Reviewing the arrangements, Garg directed officials to complete all preparatory work within the stipulated timelines and maintain close coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of both events. She stressed that every department must remain fully prepared to discharge its responsibilities efficiently.

The Chief Secretary laid emphasis on foolproof security arrangements, effective traffic regulation, uninterrupted power and water supply, sanitation, road maintenance, fire safety measures and adequate medical preparedness, including ambulance deployment. She also instructed officials to ensure strict compliance with protocol and provide seamless logistical support throughout the Vice President’s visit.

Senior officials from the Home, Commerce and Transport, School and Mass Education, Industries and Information and Public Relations departments, along with the Odisha Police, participated in the meeting and reviewed the action plan for their respective areas. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma, Director General of Police Y.B. Khurania, Commissioner-cum-Secretary N. Thirumala Naik, Principal Secretary N.B.S. Rajput, and other senior officers.