Bhubaneswar : A high-level comprehensive review meeting of the Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department was held t under the Chairmanship of Minister Rabi Narayan Naik in his office chamber at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. Minister reviewed the implementation of MGNREGA with special focus on prevention of seasonal migration through effective provision of the additional 200 days of employment supported by the State Government. He emphasised on timely wage payment, creation of quality rural infrastructure, and the continued State support of additional Rs. 98 per labourer per day for the first 100 days and Rs 371 for additional 200 days for sustainable livelihood enhancement. Reviewing the Labour Card enrolment and benefit disbursal, the Minister directed for ensuring that all eligible labourers are issued labour cards and all admissible benefits are extended to them in a timely and transparent manner.
The meeting also assessed the progress of drinking water supply infrastructure across the State including the 207 Mega Drinking Water Projects and other ongoing initiatives. Minister instructed to expedite work execution to ensure safe and adequate drinking water to all rural households by March 2027.
The implementation status of PESA in the State was reviewed. It was informed that views from various departments have been received and the draft Rules will be placed before the Tribal Advisory Committee in its upcoming meeting for kind perusal.
Taking stock of the progress under “Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha (BGBO)”, the Minister stressed on effective monitoring for timely completion of projects aimed at comprehensive rural development.
Under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, 1.68 lakh houses have already been provided to eligible beneficiaries. The Hon’ble Minister emphasised strict monitoring of construction quality and directed for proper identification of remaining beneficiaries so that every deserving household receives the benefits, thereby fulfilling the Antyodaya principle of ensuring development reaches the last mile.
The vacancy position in the Department was also reviewed. Minister advised for a detailed manpower assessment and to process proposals for filling up existing vacancies. He instructed the officials and the recruiting agencies to follow up the legal matters with the govt advocates for hearing of the cases pending the Hon’ble High Court. It was also instructed that where necessary, creation of new posts may also be proposed to strengthen the Department.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner-cum-Secretary S.N. Girish, Director (Drinking Water & Sanitation) Vineet Bharadwaj, Director (Special Projects) Siddarth Shankar Swain, Director-SIRD Madhumita Samal and other senior officers of the Department.
