Meet targets of Central schemes: CS

Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad reviewed the implementation of various centrally sponsored schemes in the state at the secretariat on Thursday. He held discussions with officials from the relevant departments and emphasised the need to execute these schemes to meet the set targets.
The Chief Secretary examined the progress of schemes jointly funded by the Central and State Governments in areas such as Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Housing, Agriculture, Medical and Health, and Fisheries.
Principal Secretary for Panchayat Raj and Rural Development, Sashi Bhushan Kumar, informed that 22 Centrally-sponsored schemes are currently being implemented by the department. He further elaborated that during the 2023-24 financial year, Rs 3,366 crore had been spent on these schemes, and so far, Rs 7,899 crore have been utilised in the 2024-25 financial year.
The Central Government has allocated Rs 8,340 crore for the ongoing fiscal year.
Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad also reviewed the progress of skill development programmes. He discussed the performance of these initiatives in 2023-24 and 2024-25, including the financial contributions from both the Central and State governments. He stressed the importance of delivering outcome-based training to enhance employment opportunities for the youth and requested a detailed report on the training programmes conducted so far.
The review extended to centrally sponsored schemes in the Home Department. Special Secretary Vijaya Kumar informed the meeting about initiatives such as modernising police forces. The Chief Secretary directed that all CCTV cameras in the state be integrated with the Real-Time Governance System at the secretariat.
Additionally, Neerabh Kumar Prasad reviewed the progress of schemes related to Social Welfare, BC, Tribal and Women Welfare, Differently Abled, Housing, Agriculture, Medical and Health, and Fisheries Departments.
Finance Secretary Janaki, Police IG PHD Ramakrishna, and other officials from the concerned departments participated in the meeting.