Ranchi: Odisha is set to host the next meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council (EZC) in the holy city of Puri, as announced by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi during the 27th meeting of the Council held today in Ranchi, Jharkhand. The announcement signals Odisha’s continued active participation and leadership within the regional cooperative framework.
Chief Minister Shri Majhi, who attended the Ranchi meeting along with Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and other senior officials, presented a comprehensive overview of Odisha’s developmental roadmap. He highlighted key initiatives across crucial sectors including women and child welfare, healthcare, education, urban planning, and power infrastructure, demonstrating the state’s commitment to inclusive growth and the “Vikasit Bharat” vision.
During the 27th Eastern Zonal Council meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, discussions revolved around a wide array of issues of national and regional importance. These included the early implementation of new criminal laws, tackling narcotics, fostering skill development, and strengthening cooperative federalism.
While the Ranchi meeting saw detailed discussions on long-pending inter-state issues like the Masanjore Dam, Taiyabpur Barrage, and Indrapuri Reservoir, as well as the division of assets and liabilities between Bihar and Jharkhand, Odisha’s focus remains on advancing its welfare and development programs and contributing to regional stability.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah commended the Zonal Councils for transforming into “engines of cooperation” from mere “forums of discussion,” noting a significant increase in meetings and resolution of issues since 2014. The success rate of 83% in resolving issues discussed in these meetings underscores their growing effectiveness.
Odisha, having achieved significant success in combating Naxalism, as noted by Shri Amit Shah, will look to further contribute to regional security and development initiatives. The upcoming meeting in Puri is expected to provide another crucial platform for inter-state dialogue and collaboration, reinforcing the spirit of cooperative federalism in Eastern India.