Bhubaneswar, 12 December (H.S.) :A comprehensive review meeting on the Expenditure and Budget of the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department was held today under the chairmanship of Minister H&UD Dr. Krushna Chandra Mohapatra.

The Minister reviewed the progress of financial utilisation under various ongoing projects and programmes of the department. He directed officials to take appropriate and timely steps to ensure full utilisation of the allocated funds within the stipulated period.

“Every rupee allocated in the budget must translate into visible outcomes on the ground. Timely expenditure and effective implementation are essential to accelerate the pace of urban development across the State,” the Minister Dr Mohapatra emphasised.

Looking ahead to the next financial year, Dr. Mohapatra advised the department to prepare the upcoming budget with a comprehensive and forward-looking approach. “The new budget must cover every scope of urban transformation—better infrastructure, improved service delivery, sustainable city planning, sanitation, housing and enhanced civic amenities. Our goal is to build cities that are liveable, resilient and citizen-centric,” he said.

The Minister also stressed on coordinated efforts, transparent processes and accountable governance to meet the growing needs of urban areas and deliver improved facilities to citizens.

Principal Secretary H&UD Usha Padhee , Special Secretary , all Addl Secretaries and Senior officers of the department, heads and representatives of various urban sector agencies were present in the meeting held in the 3rd Floor Conference Hall of Kharabera Bhawan.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda