Sambalpur: Since 2019, the post has been vacant, the Sambalpur Development Authority (SDA) meeting has not been held

Sambalpur: Due to the absence of a chairman, SDA has been without a chief for 4 years and the post of secretary has also been vacant for a long time. The boundaries of SDA are much larger than Sambalpur metropolis. On the one hand, it starts from Bargarh district border and extends from Jharsuguda district border to Thelkoloi and on the other side from Chipilima to Maneswar. However, since the resignation of SDA chairman Vijay Mohanty after the last 2019 elections, no one has been appointed to it, and no authority meeting has been held.

On the other hand, the post has become vacant after SDA Secretary Prabhas Donsana took charge as the Upazilapal. Metropolitan Corporation Commissioner Pradeep Sahu has been given an additional charge from 1st. The Metropolitan Corporation now carries out additional responsibilities as a member of the technical department of the SDA.

While many posts are vacant, including the departmental officers of the foundation and education department, the SDA is now running on the hope of the Metropolitan Corporation Officers. The Kirba housing scheme cannot be completed after many years and no new projects can be taken up at this time.

Carrying out major responsibilities like city development and beautification schemes, the organization pays the salaries of officers and employees from its own funds. With the new process not being taken up, while the way of earning has gradually stopped, if this trend continues, it will be difficult for the SDA to pay its employees in the coming days.

In Sambalpur district, many leaders of the ruling party BJD have claimed the post of SDA chief. From retired administrative officers to social workers are in the race.

However, the government has at various stages accommodated party leaders as chairman of various corporations as well as advisers to various bodies. But SDA cannot take any decision for the post of chairman. There is talk among the public that the post of chairman is not being filled because the state government is not getting any suitable candidates for it.