Implement all govt devpt schemes in Kotia to win hearts of locals: Min

Bhubaneswar: All development programmes of the govt should be implemented smoothly to win the confidence and hearts of the people of Kotia, said revenue minister Suresh Pujari while chairing a high-level review meeting here on Wednesday.Officers said that several development schemes have already been implemented in Kotia gram panchayat, which has a population of more than 10,000. The Koraput sub-collector is the nodal officer for Kotia. However, steps are being taken to appoint an OAS officer as an officer on special duty (OSD) for Kotia, official sources said.Under the collector’s ‘Developed Kotia’ initiative, the skill development and technical education department has provided special training to women and youth, creating opportunities for their employment in various sectors. Relaxation of entrance examination norms for the admission of Kotia students into Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV) is under consideration.Pujari directed that meritorious students should be provided better facilities in Bhubaneswar for higher education after completion of their Class X exams. He also instructed that the construction of the hostel of OAV at Kotia be completed before the next academic year.To strengthen healthcare services, arrangements have been made for ‘Jan Aushadhi Kendras’ and regular health camps. The minister advised officers to take steps to upgrade the existing primary health centre into a community health centre and to ensure the appointment of specialist doctors in paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and general medicine. He was also apprised of the successful functioning of the mobile healthcare services in Kotia.Pujari reviewed the progress of road connectivity projects linking Kotia and Deomali and directed that the works be completed within the stipulated time. He also instructed that all developmental activities be expedited to develop Deomali into a major tourist destination.The minister advised the Koraput administration and officials concerned to ensure the renovation of Jagannath temples at Ganjeipadar and Deomali and to celebrate the Rath Yatra in a more grand and vibrant manner.Pujari also directed for extensive development of beekeeping, millet cultivation, vegetable farming, tamarind, strawberry, dragon fruit, and turmeric cultivation in Kotia. He emphasised enhancing the skills of self-help groups to make them more self-reliant. He advised senior officials to personally visit Kotia, stay overnight and experience the ground realities first-hand.