Odisha Preparing ‘Vision 2020-30’

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government is in the process of formulating vision document ‘Vision 2020-30’ in line with SDG (Sustainable Development Goals) set by United Nations and NITI Ayog.

A high-level meeting to this effect was held under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here on Wednesday.

Padhi advised to cluster the similar SDGs and constitute subject specific thematic groups to set the vision in each targeted area.

It was decided in the meeting that a credible professional agency having experience on Odisha would be picked up as the technical partner for the purpose.

Around three interconnected documents would be formulated. These would be Vision Document 2030 which would be co-terminus for the achievement of SDGs. Another 7-year strategy for the period from 2017-18 to 2023-24 would be formulated to convert the longer visions into implementable policies.

The 3rd document would be three-year Action Document for the period from 2017-18 to 2019-20 aligning it to the financial resources.

Development Commissioner R. Balakrishnan suggested aligning Vision 2030 with the State Vision Document 2036.

It may be pertinent here to mention that Odisha on its own has initiated Vision 2036 keeping in view completion of the 100th year of State formation.

Planning & Convergence department would be the nodal department for this exercise.

SDG cells would be set up in each department by 1st week of July

The focus areas like the end of poverty, sustainable production & consumption, health & well-being, gender equality, clean water & sanitation, affordable clean energy, reduced inequalities, social peace and justice were identified to be included in the vision document.

Besides, development of partnerships, climate change action, life below water, life on land, decent work & economic growth, industry, innovation, infrastructure, sustainable cities and communities were  to be included in the Vision Document 2030.

These goals were clustered to 7 bread categories and seven thematic working groups were constituted to look into these clusters. The thematic working groups would develop the roadmap for SDG implementation in the State.

The experts from the private sector, civil society, academicians and technical experts would be involved in the process to bring in innovative perspectives.

Padhi said that the thematic working groups would submit their suggestion within two months which would be put to the government for consideration before onward transmission to NITI Ayog.