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

OdishaConnect — Fri, 02 Jan 2026 10:03:49 +0000

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.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi led a grand celebration at Janata Maidan to mark the first anniversary of the BJP government in Odisha, launching a bold new vision to transform the state into a $500 billion economy by 2036. The event, attended by lakhs, reflected growing public confidence in Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi’s leadership.

Odisha: A New Development Beacon

Addressing the massive gathering, PM Modi praised Odisha’s cultural legacy and its emerging role in India’s development. He emphasised, “Odisha is not just a state, but a beacon of Indian development,” highlighting steps such as opening all four gates of the Jagannath Temple and resolving the long-standing Ratna Bhandar issue as cultural commitments, not political stunts.

Big Ticket Infrastructure Push

Modi inaugurated 60 infrastructure projects worth ₹9,642 crore, and celebrated the completion of 45 major projects totaling ₹9,011 crore. The event also saw the launch of the Baraputra Heritage Village Scheme (₹319 crore) and the unveiling of Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047. New train services—Bhubaneswar–Boudh–Sambalpur and Boudh–Maniharpur—were flagged off, aiming to boost connectivity.

Support for Women & Future Industry Plans

Reiterating the Centre’s commitment to Odisha’s grassroots development, PM Modi honoured women entrepreneurs under the Lakhpati Didi scheme. He promised continued central support, asserting that Odisha will become a petrochemical and industrial hub, with ₹13 lakh crore investment envisioned over the next decade.

Criticism of Previous Regimes

Modi didn’t hold back criticism of the previous government, blaming it for neglect, corruption, and underdevelopment. He said the “double-engine government” (state and centre under BJP) was accelerating Odisha’s progress by ensuring central schemes reach every Odia.

Majhi Highlights Achievements & Transformation

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlined achievements of the past year, stating that under Modi’s leadership, Odisha is swiftly transforming. In just 140 days, projects worth ₹1.8 lakh crore were inaugurated, putting the state on a fast-track to becoming an industrial powerhouse.

Vision 2036 & 2047: A Roadmap to Prosperity

Under Vision 2036 and 2047, Odisha aims to become a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047, with a per capita income of $28,000. The development blueprint includes:

Increasing urbanisation from 17% to 60% by 2047
Industry-led economic growth with 13x acceleration
Development of two world-class education cities
Expansion of tourism capacity with 25,000 premium hotel rooms

This anniversary celebration marks a pivotal moment for Odisha, signalling both reflection on past achievements and commitment to an ambitious future.

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