Finance
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced today that bicycles will be provided to Jal Saathis (Water Mates) to help them get around.
The Chief Minister made the announcement today while attending a capacity building program for Jal Saathis at Lokseva Bhawan’s convention center.
By bridging the gap between the government’s water supply department and the users, Jal Saathi has helped to build trust. According to the Chief Minister, their efficiency has ensured a quality and consistent water supply.
It is worth noting that Mission Shakti members and members of the third gender have been entrusted with the supply of drinking water and the operation of water treatment plants in urban areas. They take meter readings, test water quality, and install new connections and assisting in removal of connections. They have been provided with training for such jobs.
The Chief Minister described decentralization and community partnership as the two eyes of the State government’s urban management model, and Jal Saathis represent both of these eyes.
He stated that the Jal Saathis program, which began three years ago under the 5T initiative, is now successfully managing the drinking water supply program in Odisha’s urban areas.
According to the Chief Minister, Odisha is the only state with 100 percent piped water supply in 85 of 114 towns.
As of now, 740 Jal Saathis in the state manage the water supply program for 8.40 lakh users and have collected Rs 67 crore in water tax.
He stated that they have resulted in significant improvements in meter reading, water tax collection, and the removal of illegal pipe connections.
Because of the success of the Jal Saathi program, the State government has decided to allow Mission Shakti Groups to collect property tax, according to the Chief Minister.
He stated that this will increase revenue collection in urban areas, as well as lead to financial growth and empowerment for Mission Shakti members.
The Chief Minister stated that the State Government’s Drink From Tap program provides drinking water of international quality 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and that this program has been praised and emulated at the national and international levels.
The Chief Minister stated that the drink from tap and Jal Saathi programs have been prioritized at the national level, and a decision has been made to implement these programs in all states under the Amrit 2.0 program.
The Chief Minister stated that the Jaga Mission and Drink From Tap programs have been a success story for Odisha’s urban areas, and that it would not have been possible without community participation programs such as Jal Saathi.
The State government is proud of its collaboration with Mission Shakti’s various groups and stakeholders, according to the Chief Minister.
The Chief Minister stated that the community participation program provides excellent service to citizens and will lead to the development of a strong Odisha.
Usha Devi, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, stated that the Chief Minister’s vision has been successfully implemented today in order to fulfill the dreams of women. She went on to say that this is a one-of-a-kind example of women’s empowerment.
In his welcome address, G Mathivathanan, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, stated that 97 percent of the state’s urban areas now have access to piped water.
He stated that while 85 cities in the state have 100% piped water supply, the remaining 20 cities will have 100% piped water supply by December 2023.
Departmental Special Secretary Sagarika Patnaik proposed vote of thanks at the programme.
Source:OCN
