Ranchi: Odisha played a prominent role in the 27th meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council (EZC) today in Ranchi, Jharkhand, with Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi leading the state’s delegation. The meeting, chaired by Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah, saw Odisha present a detailed overview of its developmental initiatives and highlight key concerns.
The Odisha delegation was led by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Minister Health & Family Welfare Mukesh Mahaling, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Additional Chief Secretary Home Satyabrat Sahu, Principal Secretary to CM and Finance Saswat Mishra, and Principal Secretary Agriculture and Farmers Empowerment Arabinda Kumar Padhee.
Among the crucial issues brought forth by Odisha were the need to enhance bank branch coverage, strengthen the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS), address various energy issues, advance urban master planning, combat malnutrition among girl children through Poshan Abhiyan, reduce school dropout rates, ensure effective implementation of ABPMJY, bolster the cooperative movement, and promote the Shree Anna Abhiyan.
Notably, Chief Minister Majhi announced that Puri, Odisha, will host the next EZC meeting, signaling the state’s continued commitment to regional cooperation and its growing influence within the Eastern Zonal Council framework. Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah lauded the Zonal Councils for their increasing effectiveness, noting a significant rise in meetings and a high resolution rate of issues since 2014, transforming them into “engines of cooperation.”
The meeting also saw discussions on broader national and regional issues, including the early implementation of new criminal laws, tackling narcotics, and strengthening cooperative federalism. Odisha’s success in combating Naxalism was also highlighted by Shri Amit Shah, underscoring the state’s contribution to regional security.
During the comprehensive discussions, Odisha presented its concerns and progress on a range of vital topics.
Key issues highlighted by the state included:
- Coverage of Bank Branches: Emphasizing the need for expanded banking services, particularly in remote and underserved areas, to promote financial inclusion.
- ERSS (Emergency Response Support System): Discussing the effective implementation and further strengthening of the 112 emergency helpline to ensure prompt response to citizens in distress.
- Energy Issues: Addressing challenges and opportunities related to power generation, distribution, and overall energy security within the state.
- Urban Master Plan: Presenting strategies and progress on planned urban development to accommodate growing populations and ensure sustainable infrastructure.
- Malnutrition among Girl Children through Poshan Abhiyan: Highlighting the state’s efforts and seeking further support for the “Poshan Abhiyan” to combat malnutrition, especially among girl children.
- Arresting Dropout Rate in Schools: Discussing measures to reduce school dropout rates and ensure continued education for all children.
- ABPMJY (Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana): Reviewing the implementation and impact of the national health insurance scheme in Odisha.
- Strengthening Cooperative Movement: Sharing insights and seeking collaboration to further empower the cooperative sector in the state.
- Shree Anna Abhiyan: Showcasing initiatives related to the promotion of millets (“Shree Anna”) for nutritional security and farmer welfare.
Sources indicated that Odisha’s proactive approach and successful implementation of several programs were well-received, leading to appreciation for its good practices in the aforementioned areas.
The Eastern Zonal Council, comprising the states of Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal, serves as a vital platform for interstate cooperation and addressing issues of common interest. The 27th meeting saw productive deliberations aimed at fostering cooperative federalism and accelerating regional development.