‘In 6 months, people will look at planning board differently’

What is your vision for the state planning board?
I held a preliminary meeting with chief secretary Asit Tripathy, development commissioner Suresh Mohapatra and senior government officers to discuss ways to make the planning board function in an effective manner.
We are going to form two groups to work on two key areas. The modalities of this will be fixed soon. The district planning bodies will be integrated with the state planning board for effective implementation of programmes.
Which are the two key areas you are talking about?
We have decided to focus on industries and MSME sectors, and agriculture and allied sectors.
The development of industrial infrastructure will give a boost to the MSME sector and help generate employment for the youth. As far as agriculture and allied sectors are concerned, our focus will be on increasing the income of farmers.
The state planning board is often considered to be rehabilitation facility for senior leaders
The perception might exist but it is not true. I can’t comment on previous leaders of the planning board. As far as I am concerned, I have sincerely handled whatever responsibilities have been given to me by the chief minister earlier, be it in the government or in the party. I can assure you that the people’s way of looking at the planning board will change in six months.
The board last met in October 2007
As I said, I have already met senior government officers to discuss the functioning of the board. As per initial discussions, we will form two groups by the first week of April to decide on the roadmap for the next few years. We will also make a presentation to show the chief minister, who is the chairman of the planning board.
There is talk that the board will be restructured to function like the NITI Aayog
After the Planning Commission was replaced with the NITI Aayog by the Centre, there were discussions on transforming the state planning body into a professional think-tank. We need more consultation on this issue. I believe the chief minister will take the right call on this at the appropriate time.
Any specific plan for the Koraput-Balangir-Kalahandi (KBK) region?
The Centre stopped funding for the KBK region in 2015-16, but the state government has continued allocation under the Biju KBK programme. Most of the KBK districts have been included under the Centre’s aspirational districts programme. We will see what more can be done.
Why is the money in the mining fund not being used properly?
I agree with you on this. In spite of availability of huge funds under the district mineral foundation and the Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Corporation, utilisation is not good.
We will examine the reasons and address them. The money should be used wisely and for the development of mineral-rich areas of the state.