Bhubaneswar: Senior BJD leader and Lawmaker Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo expressed concern over the unsatisfactory performance of the Western Odisha Development Council (WODC), which was formed for overall development of the western region.
Kalikesh has sought a detailed written reply from Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the Assembly in this matter.
The senior BJD legislator wanted to know about the total budget allocation made for the WODC for the current financial year and how does it compare to previous years.
What are the reasons for the lack of expenditure from WODC funds so far, and what steps are being taken to expedite fund utilization?, he asked.
“Is the government considering shifting the WODC headquarters to a different location, and if so, what are the reasons and criteria for such a decision; if not, why not; Will the government shift the WODC Headquarter to Balangir?,” Shri Singh Deo wanted to know from the CM.
In his reply, Shri Majhi said the annual budget allocation for the Council for the current financial year 2024-25 is Rs 520 crore while the previous government had allocated Rs 400 crore to the WODC in 2023-24.
A total of Rs 3028.05 crore has been allocated to WODC from the financial year 1998-99 to 2024-25, of which, the Council was able to spend only 63.13%, the CM informed.
Expenditure from the WODC Funds are made to execute various projects linked to the developmental and advancement of the Council area with approval of the Council headed by the Chairman, he said.
“Steps are being taken by WODC to expedite the utilization of funds and accordingly, all Collectors of WODC area have been requested to monitor the progress of works regularly,” Shri Majhi said.
Besides, Chairman WODC, Chief Executive Officer and other Officers are monitoring on a regular basis for the early completion of the projects and to expedite the expenditure of sanctioned funds in coordination with the District Administration, he added.
On change of headquarter of the Council, the Chief Minister said, “As per section 3(4) of the WODC Act, 2000, The headquarters of the Council shall be at such a place within the Council area as may be notified in the Gazette by the Government in consultation with Council which shall meet for the purpose at such place as the Government may fix.
However, Shri Majhi did not reply whether the State Government will shift the WODC Headquarters to Balangir.