The third meeting of the High Power Committee (HPC) on the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) for the financial year 2025–26 was held on March 12 at Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The meeting was chaired by Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha.
Senior officials from various departments of the state government and representatives of National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development participated in the meeting to review the progress of RIDF projects and discuss future proposals.
Senior Officials Participate in Review Meeting
Among those present were Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department; Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Works Department; and Subha Sarma, Principal Secretary of the Department of Water Resources.
Other officials included Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department; Yamini Sarangi, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Rural Development Department; Rashmita Panda, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the MSME Department; and Prem Chandra Chaudhary.
Vinod Arya, Chief General Manager of NABARD, along with other senior state government officials, also attended the meeting.
Review of RIDF Project Performance
During the meeting, the committee reviewed the progress and achievements of infrastructure projects being implemented across different departments under the RIDF scheme. The chairperson urged departments to accelerate the execution of ongoing projects to ensure timely completion and maximize benefits for rural communities.
Officials noted that Odisha has consistently delivered strong performance in implementing RIDF-funded initiatives, which include rural roads, irrigation infrastructure, and other development projects.
State Seeks Additional Project Sanctions
Considering the state’s impressive performance, the Development Commissioner requested NABARD to consider sanctioning additional projects for Odisha during the current financial year 2025–26.
The move is expected to further strengthen rural infrastructure development and boost economic activities in the state.
Departments Asked to Submit New Proposals
The committee also advised several departments to prepare and submit new project proposals for funding under various infrastructure development funds.
The Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department has been asked to submit proposals under the Micro Irrigation Fund (MIF) to support irrigation expansion.
Similarly, the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department has been directed to propose new initiatives under the Fisheries & Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF).
Meanwhile, the MSME Department, Agriculture & FE Department, and F&ARD Department have been encouraged to submit proposals under the Food Processing Fund (FPF) to promote value addition and strengthen the agro-processing sector.
Officials said the initiatives would help improve rural infrastructure, boost agricultural productivity, and create employment opportunities across Odisha.