Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Majhi on Monday announced the formation of a high-level task force to establish the ‘South Odisha Development Council', a move aimed at accelerating growth in the southern region.
Speaking in the assembly, the CM said the task force will submit its recommendations within 30 days regarding the council's structure, functioning and geographical jurisdiction, including the districts and blocks to be covered. "The proposed council will be instrumental in ensuring inclusive development across southern Odisha," he said.
Social security minister Nityanand Gond will chair the 14-member task force, which includes key cabinet ministers Bibhuti Bhushan Jena (commerce and transport) and Gokulananda Mallik (fisheries and MSME). The task force also comprises MPs Balabhadra Majhi (Nabarangpur) and Sukanta Kumar Panigrahi (Kandhamal), along with MLAs Sidhant Mahapatra, Narsingha Madkami, Rupesh Kumar Panigrahi, Umacharan Mallik and Ramchandra Kadam.
Three ex-officio members — revenue divisional commissioners of south and central divisions, and the CEO of Western Odisha Development Council — will also serve on the task force. Special secretary of planning and coordination department will act as member convener.
In July, the govt formed a task force for the establishment of North Odisha Development Council.