Durg, Feb 06: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai chaired the first meeting of the reorganized Chhattisgarh State Rural and Other Backward Classes Area Development Authority on Friday, directing officials to approve works based strictly on local needs and public aspirations. Presiding over the session at the Public Works Department conference hall in Durg, the Chief Minister reviewed the progress of ongoing and newly sanctioned projects across 35 assembly constituencies.
The Authority, which focuses on the social, economic, and educational upliftment of the OBC community, serves as a crucial platform for regional development. The Chief Minister emphasised that infrastructure projects must directly benefit the common man and ordered that all pending construction works be completed within a strict two-month deadline.
Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao, Health Minister Shyambihari Jaiswal, and Revenue Minister Tankram Verma attended the meeting alongside local MLAs and public representatives. The Chief Minister instructed district collectors to ensure the effective implementation of services and programs, prioritizing areas with high concentrations of Other Backward Classes.
The meeting focused on improving basic civic amenities, expanding educational facilities, and strengthening healthcare services. Discussion also highlighted the need to upgrade the quality of education and hostel facilities for students from backward communities. The Chief Minister interacted directly with collectors to assess the status of budget utilisation, stressing that funds must be used transparently and efficiently.
Officials stated that the Authority’s primary objective is to integrate local representatives into the planning process for rural development. By involving regional leaders, the state aims to quickly approve small-scale construction works and expand basic amenities as per public requirements. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Subodh Kumar Singh and other senior administrative officers were also present at the session.