Bhubaneswar, August 29: Odisha Chief Secretary reviewed key social sector indicators under the ‘PRAYAS’ programme and stressed data-driven monitoring, inter-departmental coordination and timely resolution of issues.

The meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan reviewed performance in School and Mass Education, Health and Family Welfare, and Women and Child Development sectors. District-level issues were discussed with emphasis on using data to identify gaps and improve service delivery.

The Women and Child Development Department focused on improving maternal and child nutrition through nutrition gardens, home vegetable cultivation, SHG participation and regular monitoring at Anganwadis.

In education, officials reviewed efforts to strengthen Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN) among primary students through regular assessment and monitoring of learning outcomes.

The Health Department highlighted progress in reducing neonatal mortality and improving newborn care. The meeting also reviewed infection control, hospital sanitation and biomedical waste management.

A statewide X-ray screening drive under the 100-day “TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan” campaign will begin on September 1. Collectors have been directed to maximise the use of X-ray machines, conduct camps in remote areas and ensure daily monitoring.

The meeting also highlighted successful initiatives from Angul in reducing maternal deaths and Rayagada in tackling anaemia among school students.

The Chief Secretary called for continuous monitoring and coordinated action to make social sector services more effective and people-oriented.