Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Wednesday’s meeting of all secretaries at Kharavela Bhawan featured a review of the work-progress of the various departments by Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena. All extra Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Development Commissioner-cum-extra Secretary Anu Garg The review meeting included secretaries from many departments. The success of many departments for the month of September 2023 was the subject of discussion.
During the first half of FY 2023–24, the financial performance of the State and of the several departments was discussed. Total expenditure as a share of budgetary allocation is 34.87%, up from 25.61% in the same time last year. Program spending by industry was also examined. In comparison to the same period last year, the expenditures for the Fisheries & ARD Department increased by 158%. The Energy Department has recorded the biggest increase of 2400 percent in the Infrastructure sector.
Due to strong performance of GST and ED, Own Tax income has shown considerable rise of 14.59% up to September 2023 over the prior year. Since the Assembly has approved the Appropriation Bill for the Supplementary Budget, 2023–24, all departments have been directed to act quickly to make use of the new funds without resorting to pointless parking outside the State Exchequer. The disposition of pension claims should go more quickly, officials were urged.
