71st Zilla Parishad Meeting Focuses on Development and Welfare in Malkangiri
By Addanki Iswar R.
Malkangiri ,04 July 2023 : The 71st Zilla Porishad Meeting was held today at the Zilla Porishad Conference Hall in Malkangiri. Chaired by Zilla Porishad Chairman Smt.Samari Tangulu, the meeting was attended by prominent figures including Nabarangpur MP Ramesh Chandra Majhi, ZP Vice Chairman Patitapaban Baidya, Chitrakonda MLA Purunchandra Baka, Malkangari MLA Aditya Madhi, District Collector Vishal Singh, and Chief Development Officer cum Executive Officer, Mr. Ratnakar Sahu, also participated in the meeting.
The meeting primarily focused on reviewing the state of various essential services in the district, including drinking water supply, transportation, agriculture, irrigation, education, and healthcare. The Rural Drinking Water Supply Department was instructed to prioritize providing safe drinking water to the public and to ensure the purification of drinking water. Concerning healthcare, the meeting proposed the appointment of qualified doctors in Swabhiman areas and the establishment of free ambulance services in Populur GP. Additionally, plans were made to set up food centers near Chitrakonda and Khairput CHCs.
The meeting also addressed the completion of incomplete hospitals under construction and highlighted the completion of a new blood bank, with directions to make it operational as soon as possible. The education department discussed the need to prepare a standard for the replacement of working teachers and emphasized the importance of a higher secondary school in every block. Efforts were made to improve the accommodation arrangements for Scheduled Castes and Tribes children, and the construction of Anganwadi Houses was given priority.
In terms of agriculture, the department was instructed to ensure that farmers have access to fertilizers and seeds at discounted rates. The National Food Security Mission and Millet Mission were emphasized, with the MP urging awareness about these initiatives at the panchayat level. The meeting also acknowledged the allocation of Rs 158 crore by Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik for the construction of 21 roads spanning 172 km in the district.
Furthermore, the district has initiated the Masala mission, which promotes the cultivation of turmeric, ginger, pepper, and coriander among horticulture farmers. Specific areas of land have been identified and prepared for the cultivation of these crops, with the District Collector emphasizing the provision of high-quality seeds.
The gathering saw active participation from the chairman and chairperson of seven blocks, district council members, and various district-level officers. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to address the identified developmental priorities and propel the progress of Malkangiri district.
