Naveen Stresses Community Role In Planning For Regional Growth

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said community involvement in developmental planning is essential for balanced regional growth.

Speaking at an induction programme for 56 Senior Economic Investigators in the Planning & Convergence department, Naveen emphasised on evidence-based outcome oriented planning, leading to achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and better Human Development Indices. This will ensure growth with justice and equity.

He said systematic developmental planning requires involvement of the community and elected representatives who have better knowledge of the local needs and resources. Such an approach will help address the distortions in the local level planning and lead to balanced regional growth, he added.

Congratulating the new Senior Economic Investigators, the chief minister said, “You are now part of the state’s planning process. I believe your talent and energy will be an asset for the state. I expect you to excel in your work and make best use of your knowledge for the development of the state.”

These investigators will be involved in collection, compilation, scrutiny and analysis of data pertaining to local area development schemes. They will also provide support to district Planning and Monitoring Units and assist in preparation of comprehensive district plan and monitoring of local area development schemes.

Planning & Convergence Minister Padmanav Behera outlined the role of P&C Department in decentralizing planning and monitoring of development schemes. Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and Development Commissioner PK Jena also spoke on the occasion. Secretary to CM (5T) VK Pandian moderated the programme.