THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026

Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Thursday called for accelerated implementation of development programmes, higher utilisation of approved budgetary allocations and a stronger focus on quality and outcome-based execution, as the state reviewed its financial performance and development priorities at a high-level meeting held at Kharavela Bhawan here.

Chairing the secretaries-level meeting, Garg advised departments to expedite the implementation of development schemes and projects in line with approved budget provisions and step up expenditure while ensuring that spending translates into measurable outcomes for the people.

The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, the Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Additional Chief Secretaries and Secretaries of various departments. The officials reviewed departmental programmes, financial performance, welfare initiatives and ongoing development projects.

At the outset, the Chief Secretary appreciated the significant public-oriented and welfare initiatives undertaken by various state government departments during August. She particularly commended the announcement to provide free textbooks to Class IX and X students, removal of the limit on the number of attempts for appearing in OPSC examinations, disbursement of the fifth instalment under the ‘Subhadra’ scheme, successful organisation of the second National GARIMA Conclave 2026, and several important Cabinet decisions.

Garg said these initiatives would make an important contribution towards human resource development, women’s empowerment, good governance and inclusive growth in Odisha.

The Finance Department made a detailed presentation on the state’s revenue and expenditure position. By the end of August in the current financial year, both total expenditure and programme expenditure had improved compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. Capital expenditure, too, recorded significant growth.

The state also registered higher growth in overall revenue collection compared with the same period last year.

Reviewing the expenditure position of various departments, Garg directed the Secretaries to accelerate implementation of development schemes and projects and increase the pace of expenditure in accordance with approved budgetary provisions. She emphasised that departments should not only meet expenditure targets but also ensure quality implementation and measurable outcomes from every programme.

With the broader goals of Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047 in view, Khordha District Collector Amrit Ruturaj presented a detailed roadmap for 25 strategic development projects aimed at transforming the district into a more integrated, modern and economically vibrant region.

The roadmap gives equal emphasis to industry, infrastructure, agriculture, sports, tourism, heritage and knowledge-based development, with the objective of ensuring balanced and rapid growth across the district.

At the Gram Panchayat level, the roadmap proposes the development of model projects equipped with multiple public amenities, including Kalyan Mandaps, rural markets, model parks and ponds, creating useful community infrastructure at the grassroots.

The meeting discussed developing the Begunia-Bolagarh and Tangi areas as industrial zones to attract fresh investment, generate employment and promote ancillary industries based on MSMEs.

To strengthen civic and knowledge-based infrastructure at the grassroots, a proposal was also discussed to develop modern block-level convention centres as hubs for public gatherings, knowledge exchange, cultural exhibitions and government programmes.

A dual ring-road strategy connecting the capital and coastal areas was discussed to ease traffic congestion while strengthening industrial and logistics development and promoting tourism.

The administration also proposed expediting the process for the expansion and capacity augmentation of the Khurda–Vizianagaram railway line.

The roadmap envisages modern sports infrastructure, training facilities and fitness centres across Khordha, with a focus on identifying sporting talent from both rural and urban areas and providing them with high-level training.

Improvement of the Jayadev Vihar–Nandankanan corridor through road widening, flyovers and better connecting roads was proposed to make the important transport corridor smoother, safer and more seamless.

The meeting also discussed preservation and restoration of Khordha’s heritage monuments and the development of tourism infrastructure so that heritage conservation can be linked with the local economy and livelihood opportunities.

A proposal was made to transform the Balakati brass and bell-metal handicraft cluster into an organised craft hub equipped with modern common facilities, skill development, design support, exhibition and marketing infrastructure.

Improvement of irrigation infrastructure, canal systems and water-distribution mechanisms was also discussed to ensure reliable irrigation for farmers and boost agricultural productivity.

The administration proposed expediting the Rajua Diversion Weir Project and developing Chilika as a major integrated eco-tourism circuit while ensuring environmental protection. The initiative is expected to create new livelihood opportunities for local entrepreneurs, fishermen and community groups.

The proposed development of the Paika Memorial Cultural Centre as a major heritage and educational tourism destination was also discussed. The centre is envisioned to feature a digital museum, interpretation centre, research facilities and cultural exhibitions to preserve and showcase the glorious history of the Paika Rebellion.

At the same time, the Innovation Hub at Capital Science City is proposed to connect young people with science, technology, research and innovation, with the larger vision of positioning Khordha as a leading knowledge and innovation hub.