Roads to be pothole-free within 100 days: CS

Chief Secretary Neerabh Kumar Prasad has directed officials of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department to ensure that all roads in the state are free of potholes. He reviewed the implementation of the 100-day action plan with secretaries from the Civil Supplies, Housing, Women & Child, Tribal, and Youth Welfare departments at the Secretariat on Tuesday.
During the review meeting with the R&B department, the Chief Secretary instructed that all roads must be repaired and maintained as pothole-free within the 100-day timeline. He emphasised the use of drones to identify potholes on major roads and urged swift action to address them. He noted that the National Highways Authority of India would oversee the maintenance of national highways, while other roads within the state must also be maintained to a pothole-free standard.
The Chief Secretary further clarified that officials, including Assistant Engineers (AEs), Deputy Executive Engineers (DEEs), Executive Engineers (EEs), and Superintending Engineers (SEs), must provide certification confirming the absence of potholes on roads under their jurisdiction.
Principal Secretary of the Roads and Buildings Department, Kantilal Dande, informed that the tender process would commence shortly, and once tenders are finalised, steps will be taken to repair potholes.
As part of the 100-day action plan related to the education and higher education departments, discussions were held on the mid-day meal scheme, the academic calendar, skill training programmes, the rating system for various educational institutions, linking ITIs and polytechnics with industries, and providing internships and apprenticeships in collaboration with the Municipal Administration and Urban Development department.
In addition, the review covered the opening of canteens, cleaning of drains, and operationalising Anganwadi centres under the 100-day plan.
Regarding the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department, discussions focused on strengthening the village secretariat system, installing LED streetlights, and managing solid waste.
Special Chief Secretary Ajay Jain stated that the housing department has set a target to build 1,25,000 houses under the 100-day action plan.
Later, Neerabh Kumar Prasad reviewed the progress of the 100-day action plans for civil supplies, tribal welfare, women and child welfare, and youth welfare departments.