Bhubaneswar, July 7 (IANS) The Standing Committee of the Eastern Zonal Council (EZC) on Tuesday resolved to strengthen inter-state coordination, expedite the resolution of pending issues, and ensure effective implementation of development programmes across the eastern region during its 15th meeting held in Bhubaneswar.

The meeting was organised by the Inter-State Council Secretariat under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs in association with the Odisha government. It was chaired by Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg as the host state. Senior officials from Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal, along with representatives of the Inter-State Council Secretariat, participated in the discussions.

A total of 74 agenda items, including 12 pending issues from the previous meeting, 61 fresh proposals and one agenda on best governance practices, were taken up for discussion.

The state government informed that the committee reviewed a wide range of inter-state and governance-related issues, including water-sharing disputes, flood management, railway infrastructure, rehabilitation and resettlement, compensation, mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas, human-elephant conflict, cyber security, digital infrastructure, telecom connectivity, banking access in unbanked rural villages and the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes.

A key focus of the meeting was the Subarnarekha Multipurpose Project and recurring flood-related issues affecting Odisha and Jharkhand. The Water Resources Secretaries of both states were asked to hold joint discussions and work out a mutually acceptable solution before the next meeting of the Eastern Zonal Council. Other inter-state river issues involving eastern states also figured in the discussions.

The committee also reviewed telecom connectivity in Odisha, expansion of banking services in unbanked villages, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) projects, cybercrime investigations, railway-related issues, dam construction in Jharkhand, and the progress of centrally sponsored schemes.

Discussions also covered food safety regulations, digital infrastructure, data centres, biometric updates for children, implementation of the PM-Vidyalaxmi Scheme, auction of major mineral blocks, PMGSY road connectivity, Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0, establishment of special courts for speedy disposal of rape and POCSO cases, PMAY 2.0, measures to reduce school dropout rates and cooperative sector initiatives.

The participating states also shared innovative governance practices. Odisha showcased its Ama Sathi WhatsApp chatbot, the Subhadra Scheme, and the tourism land bank initiative, while Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal presented successful initiatives in healthcare, fisheries, education, flood management, and e-governance.

Secretary of the Inter-State Council Secretariat Ashish Srivastava said several inter-state issues had been resolved during the meeting, while the remaining matters would be placed before the next Eastern Zonal Council meeting to be chaired by the Union Home Minister.

Odisha Chief Secretary Garg emphasised the need for timely and coordinated action on all agenda items. She urged the concerned departments and participating states to work together and ensure visible and substantial progress at the earliest. She also called upon all stakeholders to intensify collective efforts to improve performance and strengthen the development trajectory of the Eastern Zonal region.

–IANS

grm/dan