Odisha govt officials to face action for deadline miss; projects to be strictly monitored

In a strong message to ensure the timely execution of development work, Odisha Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik warned on Monday that officials would be held accountable for project delays.

Monthly reports must now be submitted to senior authorities, the Minister said following a review meeting of the Department.

Also Read: Bridges without roads: Villagers struggle amidst incomplete infrastructure in Koraput

According to official sources, during the meeting, Naik emphasised that all ongoing projects will be closely monitored, and stringent action will be taken against the officers concerned failing to meet the stipulated deadlines.

As part of Odisha’s Vision 2036 to become a developed State, several infrastructure projects are being accelerated.

The government has set an ambitious goal of constructing 30,000 to 40,000 km of roads across the State before the 2029 General Elections.

Under the Setu Bandhan Yojana, around 500 new bridges will be constructed. Housing, bridges, and roads have been marked as the top priorities of the department.

Minister Naik also revealed that Mukhyamantri Sadak Yojana aims to complete 5,000 km of rural roads, while the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana will cover around 2,000 Km across eight districts in the first phase.

Officials concerned have also been strictly instructed to review nearly 20 incomplete bridges from the previous (BJD-led) government that have not been put to public use yet. They have been asked to submit their detailed reports in this regard.

Furthermore, around 850 vacant posts in the department will soon be filled.

Plans are also afoot to construct sports fields and mini stadiums in every block to promote sports at the grassroots level.

“A review meeting of the Rural Development Department officials was held. As per a plan, we will construct about 30,000 to 40,000 km of roads, and build at least 500 bridges under the Setu Bhandhan Yojana, across the State. We will also construct bridge-cum-weirs to store water, so that it will be a good source of water,” the Minister stated.

“Moreover, we have decided to expedite several development projects being done under different departments. Housing, bridge, and road projects are being given priority. About 60 divisions are functioning under this department. Several ongoing projects will be monitored through Chief Engineers, Superintending Engineers, Executive Engineers, SDOs, and the like. In case the works will not be completed within the stipulated time frame, the Department officials will remain accountable for the delay therein,” the Minister warned.