Odisha Chief Secretary reviews drinking water projects and budget performance

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a high-level secretaries’ meeting at Kharavela Bhawan to review the progress of government programmes, budget expenditure, and revenue mobilisation.

The meeting placed special emphasis on drinking water projects, with secretaries directed to conduct field visits, identify bottlenecks, and recommend corrective measures to ensure the timely completion of piped water supply schemes.

The Chief Secretary stressed that rural communities must benefit from these projects without delay.

Financial performance was also reviewed, with reports showing a 10% rise in departmental expenditure, a 15% increase in programme expenditure, and a 7.82% growth in revenue collection compared to last year.

Departments were instructed to meet revenue targets and prepare new budget proposals, while the utilisation of central assistance funds will undergo special scrutiny.

The Law Department highlighted the need to repeal outdated laws, and secretaries were asked to propose withdrawals where necessary.

Monitoring mechanisms were reinforced, including monthly virtual reviews with District Collectors, State-Level Single Window Clearance Authority meetings, and MoU project reviews.

The Chief Secretary concluded by urging departments to ensure the timely completion of works, strict adherence to budget approvals, and regular monitoring of expenditure to achieve developmental outcomes.