BHUBANESWAR: The State Government has convened two-day collectors’ conference from September 6 to mainly discuss implementation of different development programmes. It has assumed significance ahead of the panchayat polls in February next year. The Government has drawn flak from the Opposition parties over the implementation of welfare programmes. The State Government has launched schemes like rice at ` 2 a kg, Madhubabu Pension Scheme, Gopabandhu Gramin Yojana, Biju Kandhamal, Biju Gajapati schemes and Biju Gramin Vidyutkaran programmes have also not achieved the target. The CBI investigation into irregularities in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) and not so impressive performance under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) have also put the State Government in an embarrassing situation. On top of this, the letter from Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik pointing out that the Orissa Government had failed to utilise the available funds under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) has made it evident that rural development took a backseat. Sources said with panchayat polls round the corner, the State Government will have to concentrate on development programmes. Congress and BJP are waiting for the opportunity to register their first victory over the BJD after the 2009 elections. The collectors would be asked to focus on MGNREGS implementation, PDS Reforms, implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA), streamline drinking water supply in schools and anganwadis, monitor MDM scheme, supplementary nutrition programme and different health schemes during the conference. However, as 22 out of 30 districts are Maoist affected, it would be difficult for the district administration to implement development programmes as wanted by the State Government. In the affected districts, development programmes cannot be taken up in many places because of the Maoist fear.
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