hubaneswar: The Odisha government on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the upcoming NEET-2026 re-examination, public health initiatives, compensatory afforestation measures and cooperative sector infrastructure projects during a meeting of district collectors chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
The meeting, held at Lok Seva Bhavan, was attended by Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Home, Industries and Information & Public Relations) Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue and Disaster Management) Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, senior departmental secretaries and district collectors from across the state. While several collectors attended physically, others joined through virtual mode.Reviewing arrangements for the NEET-2026 re-examination scheduled on June 21, the Chief Secretary stressed the need for seamless and orderly conduct of the examination. Detailed discussions were also held on security and logistical arrangements.
The Transport Department was directed to provide free bus services for candidates travelling between nearby railway stations or bus stands and examination centres. As the examination coincides with International Yoga Day, district administrations were instructed to ensure coordinated planning for the smooth conduct of both events.
During the meeting, Dr Padhee highlighted the state government’s emphasis on identifying and preserving suitable government land for compensatory afforestation to balance development and environmental conservation. With several infrastructure and development projects underway, a dedicated land bank is being created for afforestation activities. District collectors were directed to expedite identification of suitable land parcels and update related land records.
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