Contract signed for setting up PMU to achieve SDG-2030

Bhubaneswar, Oct 29: A Project Monitoring Unit (PMU) with thematic and policy experts has been shaped to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-2030 agenda on a mission mode, said an official on Friday. A contract was signed between the Department of Planning and Convergence and Ernst and Young (E & Y) today at Lokseba Bhawan in the presence of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Development Commissioner Pradeep Kumar Jena and Principal Secretaries of various departments for functionalizing the PMU at the earliest. While complimenting the efforts of P&C department in giving a concrete shape to the PMU within least possible time, Chief Secretary Mahapatra directed all departments to “strengthen their in-house capacity and work in a focused and time-bound manner for expeditious achievement of the global agenda”. Speaking on the occasion, Development Commissioner Jena said, “The PMU will work closely with different departments in a collaborative manner to achieve the SDG Agenda 2030 on a mission mode. It would also work towards improving State’s score in Multidimensional Poverty Index”. The main task of the PMU would be to consolidate and systematize the dispersed data relating to various, schemes and programmes. It would identify the missing links and gaps against different indicators of SDG and would provide inputs to the policymakers along with the implementing agencies. A baseline report would be prepared for monitoring the progress of SDGs both at state and district level. The baseline report would be followed by annual reports for identifying the thrust areas requiring more interventions.  Besides, the PMU would also help in building awareness among the stakeholders through a strong SDG communication strategy and bring out compendium of best practices in various sectors.