Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao Reviews Works of Urban Administration Department

Raipur, Oct 2025: Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Urban Administration and Development Arun Sao conducted a detailed review meeting of the Urban Administration Department at Vishram Bhavan, Nava Raipur, on Sunday.

During the meeting, he directed officials to ensure timely payment of salaries to all employees of urban bodies before Diwali. He emphasized the need for the Ministry, Directorate, and SUDA (State Urban Development Agency) teams to work in close coordination and adhere strictly to timelines, avoiding any kind of delay. “All works must be completed within the stipulated period and their results should be visible on the ground,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Basavaraju S., Secretary, and Dr. Renuka Srivastava, Joint Secretary, Urban Administration Department.

Focus on Time-bound Development and Green Initiatives

The Deputy Chief Minister reviewed the progress of ongoing development projects in urban bodies and stressed timely execution. He instructed officials to finalize the action plan for the ‘Godham Yojana’ and prepare a comprehensive proposal to enhance the state’s green cover, keeping environmental protection in view. Funds for this initiative will be allocated under the state-sponsored schemes, and a nodal officer will be appointed at the state level for effective monitoring.

Energy Bill Audit and Training for Officials

The meeting also reviewed the status of pending electricity dues of urban local bodies. Sao directed officials to expedite the implementation of recommendations from the energy bill audit and to organize special training sessions for CMO, accountants, and engineers to minimize financial losses due to surcharges and excess charges.

He further instructed officials to prepare an action plan for providing basic infrastructure to newly formed urban bodies through funds from infrastructure grants, toll tax, or other revenue sources, and to provide financial assistance to them at the earliest.

Review of Key Projects and Staffing

Sao also reviewed the progress of Nalanda Complexes, Atal Complexes, and other projects announced in the state budget. He said the government is providing adequate funds for the holistic development of urban bodies, and all officers must ensure quick execution so that citizens can benefit promptly.

Detailed discussions were also held on employee promotions, recruitment for vacant posts, cadre restructuring, and setup revisions. He instructed officials to coordinate with the Finance Department to expedite recruitment of sub-engineers.

Mission Amrit 2.0 and Asset Audit

Reviewing progress under Mission Amrit 2.0, Sao asked officials to complete DPRs and RFPs for the 21 approved water supply and STP projects in the 2025–26 financial year. He directed district collectors to resolve construction-related issues to ensure timely completion.

The Deputy Chief Minister also ordered an audit of movable and immovable assets, machinery, and vehicles of urban bodies. He instructed that commercial complexes and shops be operated in accordance with regulations.

For cremation grounds (Muktidham), he directed allocation of funds from SUDA’s state schemes for building sheds, waiting halls, drinking water facilities, guard rooms, and boundary walls.

The meeting was attended by SUDA CEO Shashank Pandey, Additional CEO Dushyant Kumar Raist, Deputy Secretary Dr. Ritu Verma, Additional Director Pulak Bhattacharya, and Chief Engineer Rajesh Sharma.