Patnaik asks ministers to focus on three 'Ts'

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday asked his ministers to focus on three "Ts" - teamwork, transparency and technology - to fine tune functioning of their departments.

"I want every department to fine tune their functioning with these three Ts in mind. In the next two months, I will be taking independent feedback on the steps taken in this regard," he said, while addressing the council of ministers on the completion of three years of the Biju Janata Dal government's fourth term in power.

He told the ministers that he is seriously concerned about last mile delivery and harassment faced by the people and this has to improve for the betterment of the people.

Maintaining that people have reposed faith in the government, he asked the ministers to work together with commitment and dedication to honour their faith in the government.

The Chief Minister also highlighted several programmes and schemes being implemented for the development of the state.

He drew a comparison on the condition of the state in 2000, when the party came to power, and how far the state has moved in last 17 years.

From a state known for acute poverty to a state known for bringing about highest poverty reduction in the country, he said, noting that about 80 lakh persons have come out of poverty during last decade, said the Chief Minister.

"Odisha has come a long way. This transformation is well recognised by our people who repeatedly repose their faith in us," said Patnaik.

He said the state government has taken several steps in last three years of its fourth term in power.

While the state government enlisted the achievements undertaken in last three years, the opposition pooh-poohed the government for failing to provide basic amenities to the people in last 17 years.

Congress state President Prasad Harichandan said Odisha is still backward after 17 years of BJD rule.

"Unemployment and poverty is on the rise in the state. Both BJP and BJD looted the state for 9 years together. Now, BJD is doing the same alone. The downfall of the government is inevitable as people have realised it," he said.

--IANS

cd/vd