Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, June 19, 2015 : Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday asked the Finance department to expedite tax collection and give priority to reduce non-performing assets (NPA).

Presiding over a review meeting on the yearly performance of the Finance department here, the chief minister hoped that the enhanced plan outlay and capital outlay would expedite the development process.

The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the department in meeting its revenue collection target despite adverse circumstances in the 2014-15.

The department, through amicable negotiations, has been able to collect pending revenue worth Rs 1300 crore.

While the volume of the plan outlay has increased to Rs 29,984 crore, the capital expenditure of the gross state domestic product (GSDP) has gone up to 3.6 percent from 2.84 percent.

Besides, the department has approved the filling up of more than 54,000 vacant posts in 2014-15.

The chief minister stressed on the importance of proper management of resources in the context of the recommendation of the 14th Finance Commission.

He asked the department to make proper utilisation of available resources while giving priority to various welfare schemes.

Patnaik also asked the chief secretary to form an apex committee to be led by him with additional chief secretary to chief minister, development commissioner and additional chief secretary, Finance as the members.

The chief secretary also will henceforth will conduct a monthly review of the collection of pending revenue and a fortnightly review on inter-departmental coordination and supervision.

He also asked the secretaries of other departments to take special measures for judicious management of finance and timely utilisation of budget.