28, Sep 2026
Odisha Has 36 IAS Vacancies, 15% of Sanctioned Cadre Posts Unfilled
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): Odisha currently has 36 vacant posts in its sanctioned IAS cadre of 248, leaving around 15 per cent of the approved positions unfilled, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi informed the Odisha Legislative Assembly on Monday.
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In a written reply in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the state presently has 212 IAS officers in service against the sanctioned strength of 248.
25 IAS Officers on Central Deputation
Of the 212 IAS officers currently belonging to the Odisha cadre, 25 are on central deputation, while 187 officers are serving within the state.
The figures indicate a gap between the sanctioned cadre strength and the number of officers currently available for service in Odisha.
Government Plans Recruitment, Promotions
Majhi said steps are being taken to address the vacancies through direct recruitment and promotion.
The reply did not provide a department-wise breakdown of the 36 vacant positions.
IAS Cadre Strength
The sanctioned strength of Odisha’s IAS cadre stands at 248 officers, while the current strength is 212, resulting in 36 vacancies.
The Union government’s official data published earlier in 2026 also lists Odisha’s authorised IAS cadre strength at 248, although the number of officers in position in that earlier dataset was lower, reflecting that cadre strength and officer availability can change over time.
The latest figures provided by the Chief Minister in the Assembly represent the current position cited by the state government.
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- By Neel Achary
28, Sep 2026
India’s Battery Storage Market Enters a New Growth Phase as Renewable Energy Expands

India’s energy transition is creating a new business opportunity in battery storage, as the rapid expansion of solar and wind power increases the need for electricity that can be stored and supplied when demand is high.
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity in India is expected to reach around 45-50 GWh over the current and next financial years, a sharp increase from the roughly 1 GWh installed by the end of the previous financial year, according to a recent industry assessment.
The growth reflects a simple change taking place in India’s power sector. Solar panels can generate large amounts of electricity during the day, but power demand often rises in the evening when solar generation falls. Batteries can store surplus electricity when generation is high and release it later when consumers and businesses need more power.
This makes battery storage increasingly important as India adds more renewable energy to its electricity system. Renewable energy accounted for about 39 per cent of the country’s installed power capacity and 15 per cent of electricity generation in FY26, increasing the need for flexible power resources.
Battery storage creates a new business ecosystem
The expansion of BESS is not only about installing large battery banks. It is creating opportunities across the wider energy and manufacturing ecosystem, including battery manufacturing, power electronics, battery-management systems, energy-management software, engineering and construction, operations, maintenance and battery recycling.
Government auctions are already reflecting this shift. BESS-linked projects accounted for nearly 40 per cent of renewable capacity auctioned in FY26, compared with around 5 per cent in FY24 and FY25. Around 50-55 GWh of BESS capacity is scheduled for commissioning in FY27 and FY28, with roughly 40 GWh linked to distribution utilities and another 10-15 GWh expected to serve commercial and industrial users or the merchant power market.
For businesses, this means batteries are gradually moving from being a supporting technology to becoming an important part of the power infrastructure itself.
How batteries can change the power market
A battery storage system can charge when electricity is available or cheaper and discharge when demand is higher. This can help reduce pressure on the grid during peak hours and make renewable electricity more useful throughout the day.
For industries and large commercial users, storage can also provide greater control over electricity consumption and help manage fluctuations in power supply. For distribution companies, batteries can support peak-hour supply and improve grid flexibility.
The government is also supporting the development of storage through measures such as viability-gap funding, transmission-charge waivers for eligible projects and policies aimed at increasing energy-storage deployment. The National Electricity Plan projects BESS requirements could rise to 236 GWh by 2031-32, indicating the scale of the potential market.
Manufacturing could become a major opportunity
As demand increases, India has an opportunity to develop a larger domestic battery-storage ecosystem instead of relying heavily on imported batteries and critical components.
The opportunity extends beyond cells to battery packs, power-conversion equipment, thermal management, control systems, software and recycling. A larger domestic ecosystem could support new manufacturing capacity, engineering services and skilled jobs while strengthening the supply chain for renewable energy.
However, the industry also faces challenges. Higher battery costs, dependence on overseas suppliers for some critical components and limited execution experience among some developers could affect project returns and commissioning timelines. Around 8-9 GWh of awarded capacity is considered more exposed to delays.
Despite these challenges, the direction of the market is becoming clearer. As India adds more solar and wind capacity, the value of electricity will increasingly depend not only on how much power is generated, but also on when that power is available.
Battery storage is emerging as the link between renewable generation and reliable electricity demand, opening a growing market for energy companies, manufacturers, technology providers and infrastructure investors.
28, Sep 2026
JINGDONG Property to Establish Advanced Logistics Facility in KEZAD
Company to build a 150,000 square-metre logistics facility that will strengthen Abu Dhabi’s logistics ecosystem

Abu Dhabi, UAE – Sept 28: Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, one of the largest operators of integrated and purpose-built economic zones in the region, has signed an agreement with JINGDONG Property, the infrastructure investment and asset management arm of JD.com, Inc., to establish an advanced logistics facility in KEZAD Area A – KEZAD Al Ma’mourah.
The project will comprise approximately 150,000 square metres of warehousing facilities, with delivery expected in 2028. It will provide premium warehousing solutions and integrated logistics infrastructure, designed to support local and international enterprises, enhance supply chain efficiency and facilitate the seamless movement of goods across regional and global markets. Leveraging JINGDONG Property’s strengths in high–quality warehousing, intelligent operations and green building, the project will introduce smart automated warehousing systems and digital operations technologies, while offering flexible, customised development services to customers.
The company will develop the facility to further strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading logistics and trade hub. Once operational, it is expected to create approximately 1,000 direct jobs across logistics, distribution and administration functions, while generating additional indirect employment opportunities in upstream and downstream sectors, including manufacturing, retail, transportation and support services. The construction phase will also contribute to local job creation and economic activity.
Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO, KEZAD Group, said: “The establishment of this advanced logistics facility reflects the growing confidence of international investors in Abu Dhabi’s economic ecosystem and highlights the pivotal role played by KEZAD in driving industrial growth through its economic zones. Our agreement with JINGDONG Property will enhance KEZAD’s logistics capabilities, further cementing its position as a gateway for regional and global trade, while advancing economic diversification, industrial expansion and sustainable development.”
Feng Guo, CEO of JD.com Middle East, said: “This milestone logistics facility in KEZAD represents a critical step in JINGDONG Property’s UAE expansion strategy. By leveraging KEZAD’s strategic location and world-class infrastructure, the facility will deliver seamless multimodal logistics solutions tailored to the demands of fast-moving supply chains. We are thrilled to be contributing to the UAE’s continued growth as a global trade hub while deepening our footprint in Abu Dhabi.”
JINGDONG Property manages more than 300 infrastructure assets globally, covering over 28 million square metres of gross floor area, with over USD 16 billion in assets under management. The company specialises in the investment, development and management of high-quality, green logistics parks, business parks and data centres, serving clients across e-commerce, third-party logistics, manufacturing, retail and other emerging industries.
The development underscores KEZAD’s commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi’s logistics and industrial capabilities, in line with the Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy and the objectives of Operation 300Bn. By enabling investors with access to world-class infrastructure, multimodal connectivity and an integrated ecosystem, KEZAD continues to attract foreign direct investment, drive economic growth, and strengthen the emirate’s role as a global hub for trade, logistics and supply chain innovation.
28, Sep 2026
Cuttack Paneer Adulteration Case: CMC Files Complaint Against 11 After Lab Report
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): The Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Health Department has filed a complaint against 11 people in connection with the alleged sale of adulterated paneer in Cuttack after laboratory analysis detected maida, starch powder and detergent in samples collected from seized dairy products.
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The complaint was lodged at Madhupatna police station after the CMC received the laboratory report on samples taken from a large consignment of paneer seized during an enforcement operation.
Samples Test Positive for Adulterants
According to officials, around 73 quintals of paneer had been seized during inspections involving 11 traders. The dairy products were reportedly transported to Cuttack from Niali.
A portion of the seized stock, estimated at around 17 quintals, was destroyed, while samples were sent to a laboratory in Haryana for detailed examination.
The test report subsequently detected detergent powder, maida and starch powder in the samples.
Adulteration Allegedly Used to Alter Paneer
The laboratory findings reportedly indicated that the substances were being used to alter the texture and composition of the paneer, including making it softer and smoother and increasing its weight.
The complaint names 11 individuals, including some small-scale farmers and vendors, in connection with the alleged adulteration and sale of the products.
The police complaint is expected to form the basis for further investigation into the source, preparation and distribution of the suspected adulterated paneer.
Consumer Safety Concerns
The findings have raised concerns over the quality of dairy products reaching consumers in Cuttack.
Paneer is widely consumed across Odisha, and the reported detection of non-food substances in seized samples has prompted renewed attention to food safety inspections and enforcement against adulteration.
Authorities have previously conducted food safety drives in several Odisha cities, including Bhubaneswar, Balasore, Berhampur and Sambalpur, following reports involving suspected adulterated paneer.
Food Safety Officer Transferred
The case had earlier led to administrative action involving Cuttack Food Safety Officer Amita Das, who was transferred on September 24 following the paneer adulteration issue reported from the Niali area.
The transfer came around the time the laboratory findings from Haryana were received, according to reports.
Further action in the case will depend on the police investigation and applicable food safety proceedings.
28, Sep 2026
Hirakud Dam Opens 30 Gates as Reservoir Inflow Rises
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): Authorities at Odisha’s Hirakud Dam opened two additional sluice gates on Monday, taking the total number of gates releasing water from the reservoir to 30 amid a continued rise in inflow.
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Of the 30 gates currently open, 20 are on the left side and 10 on the right side of the dam, according to the latest update from the dam authorities.
Reservoir Level Crosses 629 Feet
As per the 12 noon bulletin, the water level in the Hirakud reservoir stood at 629.52 feet.
The average inflow into the reservoir was recorded at 6,30,605 cusecs, while the average outflow was earlier reported at 4,97,190 cusecs.
Following the opening of two more gates, the current outflow increased to 5,30,246 cusecs. Of this, around 4,92,060 cusecs was being released through the spillway.
Downstream Discharge on the Rise
The increased release has also pushed up water discharge at downstream monitoring points.
At Mundali, the discharge was recorded at 7,83,770 cusecs and was showing an upward trend. Other gauge stations, including Belgaon, Patharla, Khairmal and Barmul, were also reporting substantial water discharge.
Authorities Monitor Situation
Dam authorities are keeping a close watch on the reservoir level, inflow and downstream discharge following the latest increase in water release.
People living in low-lying areas downstream have been advised to remain alert and follow instructions issued by local authorities as the situation develops.
28, Sep 2026
Vizag Comic Con to bring Roll Rida, Kumar Varun, C-SHOR & more to celebrate a Weekend of all things pop-culture

Visakhapatnam, Sep 28: Get ready, Vizag! The city is all set for its first-ever weekend of comics, anime, gaming, music, comedy and pop culture as Maruti Suzuki presents Vizag Comic Con makes its debut on October 10-11 at the Kalam Convention Centre, AMTZ Campus. Bringing together high-energy performances, creators, artists and immersive fan experiences, the two-day celebration is set to turn Vizag into a vibrant hub of pop culture and fandom.
Fans can step into a vibrant world of comics and visual storytelling with an exciting line-up of creators, artists and publishers including Urban Tales, Ubharta Kalakar by Dhruv, Bullseye Press, Holy Cow Entertainment, Lilorosh, Studio Kapi, Yali Dream Creations, Dizon Draws and Rage Sage. Together, they will showcase the many ways stories can come alive through comics, graphic novels, illustration, digital art, live art and original visual storytelling, giving fans an opportunity to discover new stories, interact with creators and explore the imagination shaping India’s growing pop-culture community.
The performers’ line-up will feature Telugu hip-hop artist Roll Rida (Rahul Kumar Velpula), known for his witty lyrics, distinctive flow and high-energy performances. From Kakinada Kaja to his Bollywood debut with War 2, Roll Rida has taken Telugu rap to audiences across the country. Joining him is C–SHOR, Vizag’s own independent hip-hop artist and rapper with over seven years of experience, known for his sharp lyricism and signature mass-meets-class sound. The 9TEEN, comprising Lav, Arun and Abhilash, and Fluteboxers, a unique flute and beatbox duo, will further add to the musical energy with their distinct sounds and performance styles.
The line-up also reflects Comic Con India’s commitment to giving local and emerging talent a larger platform, allowing audiences to discover fresh voices from Vizag and the wider Telugu creative community. From rap and hip-hop to pop and experimental sounds, the mix promises to keep the energy going throughout the weekend.
Adding to the entertainment, stand-up comedians Kumar Varun, Gokul Kumar and Vivek Muralidharan will bring their distinct styles of humour to the stage, promising plenty of laughs through witty storytelling, observational comedy and sharp punchlines.
Vizag Comic Con promises a packed weekend, from comics, art, anime, gaming to live performances and stand-up comedy shows to brand experiences, gaming zones, VR experiences and interactive entertainment. As Vizag hosts Comic Con for the first time, the celebration will also mark the beginning of Comic Con India’s new season, setting the stage for an exciting year of fandom across the country.
Event Details
Event: Vizag Comic Con
Dates: October 10–11, 2026
Venue: Kalam Convention Centre, AMTZ Campus, Vizag
Time: 11am onwards
28, Sep 2026
D. Sridhar Babu Inaugurates Billtrust’s New Global Capability Centre In Hyderabad

Hyderabad, Sept 28: Billtrust, the B2B Cash Generation Platform, today inaugurated its new Global Capability Centre (GCC) at Raheja Mindspace, Building No. 14, Madhapur, Hyderabad, marking the formal establishment of the company’s India operations.
Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Industries & Commerce and Legislative Affairs, Government of Telangana, was the Chief Guest at the inauguration. He inaugurated the facility alongside Billtrust Chief Executive Officer Grant Halloran and members of the company’s global executive leadership team.
Speaking at the inauguration, Minister D. Sridhar Babu appreciated Billtrust for its vision to establish an AI-first Global Capability Centre in India. He expressed confidence that the Hyderabad centre would become an important part of Billtrust’s global operations and its technology and innovation journey.
The Minister assured Billtrust of the Telangana Government’s continued support and cooperation as the company expands its presence in the state. Billtrust’s leadership, meanwhile, reaffirmed its commitment to building a 1,000-member-strong team over the next three years, further strengthening Hyderabad’s position as a hub for technology, innovation and global capability centres.
Emphasising the availability of a strong and future-ready talent pool in Hyderabad, Minister Sridhar Babu said there was no dearth of skilled talent in the city and encouraged Billtrust to leverage the ecosystem and support available through T-Hub and TASK (Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge).
He highlighted TASK’s role in helping IT and technology companies access a ready-to-work and highly trained talent pool equipped with skills in emerging and cutting-edge technologies. This, he said, would enable companies to access the required talent without having to make significant investments or undertake extensive efforts in building such capabilities independently.

“Telangana will be a partner in your progress,” the Minister told the Billtrust leadership, reiterating the state government’s commitment to supporting the company’s growth and expansion in Hyderabad.Located at Building #14, Mindspace IT Park, Madhapur, the new facility spans over 40,000 sq. ft. with capacity for up to 250 employees. The space has been designed to reflect Telangana’s rich cultural heritage and India’s artistic traditions, a deliberate choice to root Billtrust’s India operations authentically in the region.
The inauguration comes at a moment of rapid growth. Under the leadership of Farhad H. Baria, Country Head, India GCC, Billtrust has scaled from the ground up to 100 employees within six months, a pace that reflects both the depth of Hyderabad’s talent ecosystem and the urgency of the mandate. The India GCC is backed by a ₹450 crore investment commitment over three years, underscoring Billtrust’s long-term intent to build a high-caliber engineering, AI, and operations hub in the state.
The Hyderabad center connects directly to a platform operating at global scale: Billtrust serves a network of 2,600 B2B suppliers and 14 million buyers worldwide, processing more than $1 trillion in trade credit volume annually. The India GCC’s work, spanning engineering, AI development, and operations, feeds directly into a platform that finance leaders use to convert earned revenue into cash they can predict, defend, and deploy.
“Hyderabad offers deep technical talent, strong infrastructure, and a government that partners with industry,” said Grant Halloran, Chief Executive Officer, Billtrust. “Since we kicked off the build of our Hyderabad GCC, the demand to join our team has been exceptional. At Billtrust, we generate cash for our customers — more of it, faster, and at lower cost — and the people we’ve assembled here, some of the best talent in the world, are how we build AI directly into how that cash moves. This office reflects our long-term commitment to Telangana and to building capabilities here that power Billtrust’s global business.”
“Telangana continues to attract and nurture some of the finest technology talent in the world, and Billtrust’s decision to deepen its footprint here is a strong endorsement of our state’s ecosystem,” said Shri Sridhar Babu, Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, Government of Telangana. “We look forward to a long and mutually rewarding partnership with Billtrust.”
“In just six months, we have built a team of 100 exceptional professionals and the foundation of a capability center that will be central to Billtrust’s future,” said Farhad H. Baria, Country Head, India GCC, Billtrust. “Hyderabad’s talent, energy, and openness to innovation have made that possible. This office is built to match the ambition of the people in it.”
28, Sep 2026
Odisha Collects Rs 95.91 Lakh in Food Safety Penalties Over Two Years
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): The Odisha government has collected around Rs 95.91 lakh in penalties from food safety violators over the past two years, Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling informed the Odisha Legislative Assembly.
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The minister said the state has stepped up inspections, food sampling and enforcement measures to check adulteration and ensure compliance with food safety regulations across districts and urban local bodies.
Nearly 40,000 Food Samples Tested
Replying to a question from MLA Souvik Biswal in the Assembly, Mahaling said enforcement teams collected 7,392 legal samples and 32,498 surveillance samples during the two-year period.
The samples were collected from different parts of the state as part of regular food safety inspections and surveillance activities.
Over 427 Quintals of Suspected Adulterated Food Destroyed
The enforcement drive also resulted in the seizure and disposal of large quantities of food items suspected to be adulterated.
According to the minister’s statement, around 427.86 quintals of adulterated food items were destroyed during the period under review.
431 Cases Registered
Authorities also initiated legal proceedings against those found violating food safety provisions.
A total of 431 cases were filed, comprising:
298 adjudication cases
133 prosecution cases
The government said the enforcement measures are part of its efforts to strengthen monitoring of food products and curb adulteration across Odisha.
Focus on Food Safety Enforcement
The state has continued inspections and sample testing through designated food safety authorities, with enforcement action being taken where violations are detected.
The figures presented in the Assembly highlight the scale of sampling, seizure and legal action undertaken during the two-year period.
28, Sep 2026
India-Egypt Step Up Sports and Youth Engagement Through New Exchange Opportunities
Sep 28: India and Egypt are exploring new opportunities to expand cooperation in sports and youth affairs, with discussions focusing on sports exchanges, cricket, football and greater participation in international sporting events.
The discussions took place during a meeting between India’s Ambassador to Egypt, Suresh K. Reddy, and Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Gohar Nabil. The meeting also explored ways to strengthen people-to-people connections through youth and sporting activities.
A key area of discussion was the promotion of cricket in Egypt and greater engagement in football between the two countries. The Indian Ambassador also invited Egypt to participate in the BRICS Indigenous and Traditional Games 2026, opening another avenue for athletes and young people from both countries to interact and share sporting experiences.
Sports as a platform for youth engagement
The proposed cooperation can create opportunities for athletes, coaches and young people to participate in exchange programmes, training activities and sporting events.
For India, cricket provides an important area for engagement with Egypt, while football offers a natural platform for greater sporting interaction given its popularity in Egypt. Exchanges in these areas could support knowledge-sharing and help sports organisations from both countries develop stronger institutional links.
International events can strengthen exchanges
Egypt’s participation in international sporting events hosted or supported by India could further broaden engagement between young athletes and sports communities.
The invitation to the BRICS Indigenous and Traditional Games 2026 is particularly significant in this context, as traditional and indigenous sports can also provide a platform for cultural exchange alongside athletic participation.
Youth cooperation adds a new dimension to bilateral ties
Sports and youth engagement form part of the wider India-Egypt relationship, which includes cooperation across trade, technology, education, culture, health and other sectors.
The two countries have also developed youth and cultural exchanges through initiatives involving schools, universities and community programmes. The Indian Embassy in Cairo has highlighted activities such as university interactions, school-connect programmes and cultural workshops as part of people-to-people engagement.
Greater cooperation in sports can complement these initiatives by giving young people another avenue for international exposure and interaction.
Building stronger people-to-people links
The latest discussions indicate that sports could become a larger component of India-Egypt people-to-people engagement. Cricket, football, traditional sports and youth programmes can provide practical platforms for athletes and young participants to learn from one another while strengthening institutional cooperation.
With both countries continuing to expand engagement across multiple sectors, greater sports and youth exchanges could add a new dimension to the broader India-Egypt partnership.
28, Sep 2026
Odisha Orders District-Wise Review of Unused Government Land
Bhubaneswar, Sept. 28 (UDN): The Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Department has directed all district Collectors to conduct a time-bound review of government land that has remained unused for extended periods or is being used in violation of the purpose for which it was allotted.
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The review will cover government land provided through advance possession, permissive possession, lease and alienation, with authorities instructed to identify cases requiring resumption, relinquishment or other action under the applicable laws.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee, in a communication to all Collectors, said government land is a valuable public resource and must be protected from unauthorised occupation, misuse and unlawful retention.
Collectors Asked to Act Within Legal Framework
District administrations have been instructed to undertake field-level verification and take necessary action wherever land is found to be lying unused or being utilised for purposes other than those approved.
The department has also stressed that revenue officials must discharge their statutory responsibilities impartially and in accordance with the law, particularly in cases involving influential individuals, organisations or vested interests.
The government has further warned that if any involvement or collusion of government employees with vested interests or corrupt entities is established, disciplinary and criminal proceedings may be initiated under applicable laws.
Review of Land Given in Advance Possession
For land provided under advance possession, officials have been directed to take action under Rule 11-A of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983.
Pending cases will undergo field verification. If the allotted land is found unused or diverted from the sanctioned purpose, authorities will initiate the prescribed process for revesting it with the government.
Permissive Possession Cases Under Scanner
The utilisation status of land granted under permissive possession will also be examined.
Where such land is vacant or the conditions attached to permissive possession have not been followed, action will be taken under Rule 9-A(2) of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, 1983, the department said.
Leased Land to Face Case-by-Case Review
Government land leased to institutions, organisations and individuals will be reviewed individually.
Cases where leased land has remained unused for more than three years from the date of settlement, or where it is being used for an unauthorised purpose, will be identified for possible resumption.
Where applicable, proceedings under Section 3-B of the Odisha Government Land Settlement Act, 1962 will be undertaken following due legal procedure and principles of natural justice.
Once the resumption process is completed, the land will be restored to government possession and revenue records will be updated wherever necessary.
Departments Asked to Relinquish Unused Land
Land transferred to government departments for specific projects will also undergo field verification.
If land or any portion of it has remained unused for more than three years and is no longer required for the original purpose, the concerned department will be asked to consider relinquishing it to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department.
Where only part of the transferred land has been utilised, officials will have to specifically assess whether the remaining portion is still required.
Action Against Encroachment
The department has also instructed district administrations to take prompt action against encroachments on government land that has been leased or alienated.
Eviction proceedings will have to be initiated in accordance with the applicable rules and prescribed legal procedures.
Monthly Reports to Track Progress
Collectors have been directed to maintain comprehensive district-wise records covering cases reviewed, cases requiring action, proceedings initiated, completed cases and land restored to government possession.
For regular monitoring, monthly progress reports must be submitted online to the Revenue and Disaster Management Department by the 5th of every month under four categories:
Advance Possession
Permissive Possession
Resumption
Relinquishment
The review has been designated as a priority assignment, with Collectors made responsible for ensuring timely action and preventing unnecessary delays. District administrations have also been asked to clearly assign responsibilities among concerned officials.