Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra today said that Odisha has set an example for others in every field and a new era of development has begun in the State. Speaking after inaugurating the two-day General Body Convention of the OAS Association at KIIT University Auditorium, Mohapatra said the state has invested heavily in infrastructure sectors in the last two decades and will emerge as a developed state in the country in the coming 5 to 6 years. will emerge as
The development of the state in education, health, agriculture and other social sector is highly encouraging for others. Every gram panchayat has a 5-T school as the government focuses on providing quality education for all. He said that the State is also on top in the country in terms of food security and increase in average collection of GST in the last five years.
He said that due to the service delivery at the grass root level, there has been a marginal reduction in the Naxal menace in the State. All the infrastructure has been developed while protecting the environment as the forest area has been increased from 30 per cent to 40 per cent. He said that the state is also a safe haven for Olive Ridley and migratory birds.
Highlighting the connectivity, he said that more than 1500 bridges have been constructed in the last decade and every village has metalled road connectivity, thereby reducing the effect of river floods during heavy monsoon rains. He said that the State has shown exemplary preparedness through teamwork in organizing sports events, dealing with natural calamities and fighting the Corona pandemic.
The use of technology at every stage of governance and the 5-T initiative works very effectively as it collects feedback directly from the beneficiary. Appreciating the contribution of OAS officers, he said that they contribute significantly in the development of the State. He said that his service at the grassroots level is highly challenging and encouraging.