Odisha Governor Suggests Study to Increase Number of Gram Panchayats

Bhubaneswar, Aug 13: Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has called for a comprehensive study to explore the possibility of increasing the number of Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the state.

Chairing a review meeting of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water (PR&DW) Department at the New Abhishek Hall in Raj Bhavan, Dr. Kambhampati said the number of GPs in Odisha is relatively low compared to the number of revenue villages. He stressed that expanding GPs would bring governance closer to the people, strengthen decentralisation, improve programme delivery, and enable better monitoring.

“A smaller number of Gram Panchayats can sometimes cause the state to miss out on certain funds under specific schemes,” the Governor observed.

During the review, he sought updates on the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), interacting directly with executing agencies to understand challenges and urging strict adherence to timelines. Reiterating Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of safe tap water for all households, he encouraged faster implementation of projects.

Highlighting the PR&DW Department’s role in rural transformation, Dr. Kambhampati said effective execution of flagship schemes such as pucca housing, employment generation, and safe drinking water would significantly uplift rural living standards.

The review also covered progress under Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha, PM Awas Yojana – Gramin, PM-JANMAN, Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, MGNREGS, BASUDHA, Solar Projects, DDUGKY, and Swachh Bharat Mission – Gramin, along with rural marketing and livelihood programmes.

Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish S.N., senior departmental officials, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary to the Governor Roopa Roshan Sahoo were present. Senior officials made detailed presentations on various schemes during the meeting.