Argus News - Odisha Rural Development Review Highlights 89 Per Cent Fund Utilization

Bhubaneswar, Apr 9: A crucial review meeting of the Department of Rural Development was held Thursday under the chairmanship of Minister Rabi Narayan Naik at the Chief Engineer’s office in Bhubaneswar.

The session assessed the department’s achievements in 2025‑26 and outlined a roadmap for 2026‑27.

Commissioner and Secretary Yamini Sarangi presented the department’s performance report, highlighting that 89.45 per cent of allocated funds were utilized during the last financial year.

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Odisha ranked eighth nationally in implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), while securing the top position in the country for adopting innovative technologies and materials in road construction.

Minister Naik congratulated officials and staff for these accomplishments and urged them to set higher targets for the coming year. He emphasized the need to surpass previous performance levels with stronger commitment and timely execution.

To ensure efficiency, he directed that tender processes be completed before the monsoon season so that construction work can begin immediately after rains subside.

The meeting also discussed Mission Power, aimed at connecting unserved villages with all‑weather roads. Detailed reviews of unconnected habitations across districts were conducted, and timelines were set to achieve targets. The minister instructed officials to accelerate connectivity projects in the coming months.

Progress of the Chief Minister’s Road Plan and other schemes was also reviewed. Naik stressed the importance of equitable development, ensuring that benefits reach all regions uniformly. He highlighted that maintenance of existing rural roads is as vital as building new ones, noting that strong infrastructure builds public trust in government initiatives.

The review concluded with directives to enhance departmental efficiency, prioritize critical areas, and ensure that rural development projects deliver tangible benefits across Odisha.