Odisha Principal Secretary reviews welfare schemes in Kendujhar, stresses timely implementation

Kendujhar: Principal Secretary of the Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Department, Suresh Kumar Vasisth, on Tuesday reviewed the implementation of key welfare schemes and flagship development programmes in Kendujhar, directing officials to ensure their timely and transparent execution so that benefits reach every eligible beneficiary.

Vasisth, who is on a three-day visit to the district as its designated nodal secretary, chaired a high-level review meeting at the Darbar Hall of the District Collectorate to assess the progress of various government initiatives across departments.

Addressing district officials, the Principal Secretary emphasised greater inter-departmental coordination and accountability, with particular focus on strengthening social security, empowerment of persons with disabilities and rural development programmes.

Reviewing the Antyodaya Griha Yojana, he directed officials to expedite the completion of under-construction and pending houses, especially those sanctioned for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. He also assessed the implementation of the Madhubabu Pension Yojana, Banishree Scholarship, Sahaya Rehabilitation Centre for destitute persons and the Setu Bandha Yojana.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of the Har Ghar Jal initiative to provide safe drinking water to every household, sanitation works under the Swachh Bharat Mission, and urban water supply projects being implemented under the AMRUT scheme.

In the education sector, Vasisth assessed the implementation of Panchasakha Shiksha Setu, the Chief Minister’s Education Award, PM SHRI Schools, and the Basic Literacy and Numeracy Programme for the 2026–27 academic session.

The Principal Secretary also reviewed programmes under the Women and Child Development Department, including Poshan Abhiyan, Mukhyamantri Sampurna Pushti Yojana and Mamata Yojana. Officials informed the meeting that four instalments under the Subhadra Yojana had been successfully disbursed. Progress in the construction of Anganwadi centres and development of facilities under PM JANMAN and Sahay Anganwadi Kendras was also discussed.

Special attention was given to tribal welfare initiatives such as the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), PM Anusuchit Chhatra Abhyudaya Yojana, and the Madho Singh Handicapped Scholarship Scheme for tribal students.

The review further covered the implementation of the Shree Anna (Millet) Mission, Mukhyamantri Kamdhenu Yojana, institutional credit support for farmers, and programmes of the Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Department. Progress under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana and PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana was also assessed. Officials of TPNODL presented updates on solar electrification, power infrastructure and grievance redressal mechanisms in the district.

The meeting was attended by District Collector Vishal Singh, DMF Chief Executive Officer Dr Rina Pradhan, Additional District Magistrate Mandardhar Mahalik, Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Kumar Nagabhushan, DUDA Project Director Sukant Majhi, Sub-Collector Umashankar Dalai and senior officials from various departments.