Rural Development Department Conducts First Monthly Review Meeting of 2025

Bhubaneswar: The Rural Development Department of Odisha held its first monthly review meeting of the year today, chaired by Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh. The meeting, conducted at the department’s conference hall, was attended by senior officials, with officers from all 63 Rural Development Divisions joining via video conferencing to report on ongoing projects and initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Singh extended New Year greetings and encouraged all officers to approach their responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication. The review covered major projects, including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana, and other departmental schemes. Progress on grievances received through the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell was also assessed.

Detailed discussions focused on the implementation of programs such as PM-JANMAN and Setu Bandhan Yojana, along with an analysis of projects from previous financial years still under construction. Emphasizing the importance of quality and efficiency, Singh directed officials to prioritize proper design, survey, and estimation for each project and to ensure their timely completion.

Key challenges, including forest clearance, land acquisition, and construction in Naxal-affected areas, were addressed during the meeting. Singh highlighted the need for administrative reforms, directing that retiring employees receive their pensions on the day of retirement. He also urged expedited grievance resolution and reiterated the importance of high standards and timely delivery in all departmental works.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Special Secretary Sarbeshwar Singh, Additional Secretary Babita Mohanty, Financial Advisor Smita Pani, and Engineers-in-Chief Prasanna Kumar Sahu and Pradeep Kumar Jena. The Principal Secretary called on all officers to contribute diligently to the department’s objectives, ensuring meaningful progress for the state.