Anu Garg Chairs First Secretary-Level Meeting as Odisha Chief Secretary

Following her assumption of charge as Odisha’s Chief Secretary, senior IAS officer Anu Garg chaired her first secretary-level meeting today at the state secretariat. The meeting brought together all department secretaries to deliberate on key administrative priorities and provide strategic directions for efficient governance.

Focus on Efficient, Accountable, and Citizen-Centric Administration

During the meeting, Chief Secretary Garg emphasized the need to make governance efficient, accountable, and citizen-focused, aligning with Odisha’s Vision 2036 and Vision 2047. She reviewed the two-year action plan’s implementation and set performance-based targets, including measures to reduce underdevelopment rates and fill vacant posts across departments.

Strengthening Governance and Administrative Systems

Garg instructed that strict action be taken against non-performing or inefficient officials to ensure a clean and effective administrative system. Departments were advised to integrate training programs under Mission Karmayogi and prepare annual training calendars for government employees to enhance capacity and service delivery.

Project Monitoring and Budget Oversight

Secretaries were directed to monitor the quality and timely execution of district- and state-level projects, ensuring that approved budgets are utilized efficiently. Emphasis was placed on tracking outcomes and accelerating the pace of projects critical for long-term development in sectors such as industry, ports, roads, bridges, drinking water, irrigation, energy, and urban-rural infrastructure.

Rural Development and Mission “PaowaR”

For rural development, Chief Secretary Garg highlighted the Mission PaowaR initiative, focusing on providing electricity, piped drinking water, and all-weather roads to every village. Departments were asked to coordinate effectively to ensure full implementation.

Focus on Women, Children, and Education

The meeting also discussed Anganwadi centers and their transformation into community happiness hubs with improved infrastructure. Efforts to ensure proper sanitation facilities by International Women’s Day were highlighted. In education, attention was given to quality learning, skill development programs, higher education efficiency, and promoting regional research and innovation.

Promotion of Tourism, Self-Reliance, and Local Ecosystems

Chief Secretary Garg stressed enhancing tourism infrastructure, creating facilities for all categories of visitors, and supporting local self-reliance initiatives. Departments were instructed to foster Swadeshi ecosystems while addressing livelihood needs in areas affected by Naxalite activities.

Coordinated Approach Across Departments

All secretaries were reminded to work as a team, integrating departmental initiatives with national priorities. Garg highlighted the importance of collective efforts to achieve Odisha’s Vision 2036 and contribute meaningfully to India’s Vision 2047.

Attendance and Presentations

The meeting saw participation from Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Department Secretaries, Commissioners, and other senior officials. Presentations and detailed reports were prepared in Odia to ensure clarity and inclusivity in discussions.