Post of Gram Panchayat Development Officer Vacant for 3 Years in Nuagarh Block, Gajapati
Development works in 19 Panchayats affected as residents demand urgent appointment of a new GPDO
Nuagarh (Manoj Padhi):Nuagarh block in Gajapati district, known as a tribal and remote area once considered a Naxal stronghold, has been functioning without a Gram Panchayat Development Officer (GPDO) for the past three years. Despite the Odisha government’s efforts to strengthen the three-tier Panchayat Raj system by investing crores of rupees in rural development, the key post remains vacant.The GPDO plays a crucial role in assisting the Gosti Development Officer to oversee Panchayat-level works, including billing of development projects, supervising Gram Sabha and Palli Sabha meetings, managing the tender process, and taking action against irregularities.However, since the retirement of Shri Prabhakar Sahu in 2022, the post has not been filled in Nuagarh Block which has 19 Panchayats. In his absence, the Executive Officer of Khajuripada Panchayat, Shri Nrushingh Chandra Mishra, has been holding additional charge as GPDO for the entire block.Locals question how an officer serving as an Executive Officer of one Panchayat can also effectively supervise development activities in 18 other Panchayats. They fear delays in implementation of schemes and possible lapses in accountability.When contacted, the Nuagarh Community Development Officer said the matter has been raised with the government and assured that the post of GPDO will be filled soon. Residents of the Bali region have urged the administration to expedite the appointment to ensure uninterrupted development in this tribal and remote block.