Bhubaneswar: The state govt will give priority to Odia contractors in projects carried out by the rural development department, said newly appointed minister Rabi Narayan Naik after conducting a review meeting on Tuesday. Contractors had earlier alleged that works were being given to contractors from outside the state, particularly from Tamil Nadu. The minister emphasised that the state govt is committed to promoting local talent and businesses.“We want to ensure that the benefits of development reach the people of Odisha first. By prioritising Odia contractors, we aim to create more job opportunities and stimulate the local economy. If required, we are also planning to provide training to the youth,” said Naik.
During the review meeting, the minister assessed the progress of various ongoing projects and discussed strategies to streamline the tendering process.
He instructed department officials to be transparent and fair in awarding contracts and to ensure quality in all works. “There will be no substandard work, and if any officer or contractor is found to be compromising on quality, legal action will be taken against them,” Naik said.
The minister also mentioned that under PM Janman Yojana, villages with 100 residents will be identified and connected through roads. “Under the scheme, villages in tribal hinterlands where particularly vulnerable tribal groups (PVTG) are residing, will be connected with pucca roads,” he said.
After conducting the review, Naik asked officers to prepare a roadmap for the next 100 days. “The officers assured me that around 200 bridges, many under construction, will be completed in the next 100 days. Besides, we are planning to start a bridge and barrage plan,” he said.
Similarly, all roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana (MMSY) will be double-lane in the coming days.
“All schemes and programmes of the govt will reach the last mile of the state,” he added.

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