The state government, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has officially dissolved the State Planning Board, which had been inactive for an extended period. This decision comes following approval from the Chief Minister’s office, marking the end of an era for the defunct planning body.
Originally reconstituted on March 1, 2020, by former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the State Planning Board saw its last deputy chairman, Sanjay Das Burma, resign in June 2022 as part of a broader directive from Patnaik to all political appointees. Since then, the board has remained without leadership, with reports indicating it had not convened a meeting for approximately 14 years.
During its tenure, the board was criticized for functioning as a landing spot for side-lined BJD leaders. With its dissolution, the Majhi government aims to reconstitute the board, potentially accommodating party members in roles akin to cabinet ministers or ministers of state. Historically, the deputy chairman of the planning board held the rank of cabinet minister, underscoring its political significance.
The State Planning Board’s core responsibilities included monitoring and formulating long-term perspective plans, mobilizing financial resources for development, aligning state priorities with national plans, and aiding district authorities in their developmental strategies.
This dissolution sets the stage for a new chapter in state planning and governance under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
In another development, the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari announced stringent measures against illegal constructions on government land, reminiscent of UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s firm approach. Pujari emphasized that palatial structures illegally built by influential figures would be demolished using bulldozers, underscoring the government’s crackdown on encroachment.
During his visit to the city, Pujari condemned the occupation of vast government lands by individuals posing as clean and influential. He assured that such establishments would face imminent demolition, while also pledging leniency towards the homeless and impoverished, acknowledging their plight and compulsion.
Furthermore, Pujari highlighted the government’s commitment to environmental conservation, particularly in controlling pollution from industrial sources. He stressed that industries would be held accountable for irresponsible waste disposal practices, with a focus on proper management of industrial waste to mitigate environmental damage.
Addressing concerns over air and water pollution caused by industrial activities, Pujari disclosed ongoing discussions and warnings issued to industrial promoters. He cited instances of illegal dumping and discharge of effluents into rivers like Mahanadi, Ib, and Bheden, emphasizing the enforcement of strict penalties against offenders.
Pujari assured that the government’s actions, including GPS monitoring of waste transport and directives to district administrations, aim to curb environmental degradation effectively, despite challenges in enforcement.
(With inputs from agencies)
