Bhubaneswar: A crucial meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja at Lok Seva Bhavan focused on the presentation of Odisha’s general budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The session also centered on the state’s readiness for the “9th General Council meeting of Niti Aayog,” set to take place in New Delhi on July 27.
The meeting addressed preparations for the “4th National Chief Secretaries’ Conference,” scheduled for November in New Delhi. This conference will focus on the agenda of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047.”
The State Planning and Coordination Department presented an update on Odisha’s performance in the ‘Sustainable Development Goals-India-Index-2023-24.’ Discussions covered critical issues such as eradicating hunger, improving healthcare, enhancing education quality, promoting gender equality, ensuring sanitation, providing drinking water, implementing integrated irrigation, and adopting climate change programs. The state’s financial performance up to June 2024 was also reviewed.
Chief Secretary Ahuja stressed the importance of strategic planning and execution of five-year plans, commemorating the 100th anniversary of Odisha’s formation as a separate province in 2036, and the centennial of India’s independence in 2047. He urged secretaries to prioritize economic growth, agriculture, education, irrigation, water management, creating an industrial-friendly environment, welfare programs, land development, and employment opportunities.
The meeting also highlighted the need for effective inter-departmental coordination in executing various schemes. The Chief Secretary directed all departments to resolve public grievances promptly and efficiently.
The session saw participation from Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Satyabrat Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar, along with secretaries and commissioners from various departments.
