Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has directed the Panchayati Raj Department to complete 20 lakh pucca houses for people in rural areas by September this year.
The CM issued this direction while reviewing performances of the department. So far, more than 17 lakh pucca houses have been constructed under the rural housing mission.
Besides construction of houses, he too asked the department to provide provision of drinking water, sanitation and lighting facilities on a priority basis. It has been aimed to provide piped water supply connection to at least two villages in each gram panchayat by the end of 2018-19.
It was revealed that Odisha has been recognised as the best State in Skill Development of rural youths for second time in two years. It records the highest rank in construction of Anganwadi Centres under the MGNREGS.
The Chief Minister directed officials to ensure completion of all projects on time so that people enjoy the Government benefits as early as possible.