new delhi:
The 15th meeting of the Standing Committee of the Eastern Zonal Council concluded in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday with participating states reaffirming their commitment to strengthening inter-state coordination, expediting the resolution of long-pending issues and ensuring the effective implementation of development programmes across the eastern region. Discussions covered a wide range of subjects, including inter-state water disputes, flood management, infrastructure development, railway projects, digital connectivity and public welfare initiatives.
The meeting was organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Ministry of Home Affairs in collaboration with the Odisha Government. It was chaired by Anu Garg and attended by senior officials from Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Among those present were Ashish Srivastava, Pratyaya Amrit, Ajay Kumar Singh and Binod Kumar.
The Standing Committee reviewed a total of 74 agenda items, comprising 12 issues carried forward from the previous meeting, 61 fresh proposals and one agenda item highlighting best governance practices adopted by participating states. The broad agenda reflected the region’s emphasis on improving connectivity, enhancing public services and resolving long-standing inter-state concerns through mutual cooperation.
One of the major issues discussed during the meeting was the Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project and recurring flood-related challenges affecting Odisha and Jharkhand. Recognising the need for a coordinated approach, the committee directed the Water Resources Secretaries of both states to hold joint consultations and formulate a mutually acceptable solution before the next meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council.
The committee also examined the progress of several important infrastructure projects, including those related to the National Highways Authority of India, railway land acquisition, compensation issues and dam construction in Jharkhand. Rehabilitation and resettlement measures for affected families were also reviewed, with emphasis on ensuring timely compensation and smooth project implementation.
Telecommunication and digital infrastructure received considerable attention during the meeting. Officials discussed improving telecom connectivity in remote areas, strengthening digital infrastructure, promoting information technology projects and encouraging the establishment of data centres to support the region’s growing digital economy. Measures to expand banking services in unbanked rural villages and improve financial inclusion were also reviewed.
The committee further deliberated on cyber security and cybercrime investigations, highlighting the importance of strengthening coordination among law enforcement agencies to address emerging digital threats. The implementation of biometric updates for children and the effective delivery of citizen-centric digital services also formed part of the discussions. Several flagship government programmes were reviewed, including the PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, PMAY 2.0 and the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Progress relating to the auction of major mineral blocks, urban master plans, reduction of school dropout rates and cooperative sector initiatives under the “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” programme was also assessed. The committee also discussed the establishment of special courts for the speedy disposal of rape and POCSO cases, underlining the importance of strengthening the justice delivery system while ensuring timely legal proceedings. Inter-State Council Secretariat Secretary Ashish Srivastava described the meeting as productive, stating that several inter-state matters, including issues involving the Union Government, had been successfully resolved. He added that unresolved matters would undergo further consultations before being placed before the next meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council, which will be chaired by the Union Home Minister.
Concluding the meeting, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg urged all participating states and departments to maintain close coordination and ensure effective implementation of the decisions taken. She emphasized that collective efforts and regular follow-up would be essential for accelerating infrastructure development, improving public services and promoting balanced growth across the eastern region.
