Finance
A secretaries-level meeting was conducted on Thursday at Kharavela Bhawan’s Conference Hall, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, to discuss the implementation of major government projects, budget expenditure, revenue collection, and project monitoring across departments.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretaries Surendra Kumar and Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretaries from various departments, Chief Minister’s Principal Secretary Saswat Mishra, and Principal Secretaries and Commissioners-cum-Secretaries from all departments.
The Chief Secretary began by emphasizing the need of Secretaries’ monthly district field visits. She mandated that during district tours, Secretaries specifically assess the status of ongoing drinking water projects, identify causes of delays, and propose corrective measures. She emphasized drinking water as a basic necessity and stated that early completion of piped water supply projects would benefit rural populations throughout the state.
The meeting assessed the status of 15 critical programmes overseen by the Chief Minister. Departments were evaluated based on the efforts taken to guarantee timely execution and attainment of program objectives.
The state’s financial status for fiscal year 2025-26 was reviewed. Department-specific expenditures up to December 2025 were reviewed in accordance with approved budget allocations. Detailed reviews were conducted across sectors including agriculture and allied sectors, revenue, social sector, and other departments.
It was reported that overall departmental expenditure has climbed by 10% over the previous year, while programme expenditure has increased by 15%. Revenue collections from various sources increased by 7.82 percent over the previous fiscal year. Departments were directed to reach their income targets.
Secretaries were also asked to prepare fresh proposals for the 2019 budget, and they were directed to conduct specific reviews of the use of central assistance money.
The Law Department informed the audience that some antiquated laws are still in effect in the state. Secretaries were requested to review such laws in their respective departments and propose repeal or withdrawal where they are no longer necessary.
It was announced that monthly virtual review sessions with District Collectors on developmental work and project implementation will take place on the 16th of each month. However, due to previously arranged government programs, the January meeting will be conducted on January 22 instead.
Additionally, the State-Level Single Window Clearance Authority meeting and progress review of MoU-signed projects will be held on the third Tuesday of each month.
To accomplish the desired results, the Chief Secretary urged all department heads to guarantee that work was completed on time, that budget approvals were strictly followed, and that expenses were regularly monitored.
