Dharakote, Oct 19 [UDN}:Ganjam, October 14, 2026:* The long-vacant post of Block Development Officer (BDO) of Dharakote Block in Ganjam district has finally been filled with the appointment of Lipina Das, who joined the office on Wednesday.
The BDO post had remained vacant for nearly six months following the retirement of the then BDO, Sangram Keshari Jena, in April this year. Since then, Truptimayee Jena, BDO of Sheragada Block, had been handling the additional responsibility of Dharakote. The absence of a full-time BDO had reportedly affected the functioning of the block administration and slowed its day-to-day activities.
Lipina Das, who was previously serving as the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Malkangiri district, has now taken charge as the new BDO of Dharakote Block.
After arriving at the block office on Wednesday, she was welcomed by several officials and employees. Among those who met her and extended their greetings were in-charge Assistant Block Development Officer (ABDO) Sushant Kumar Patra, Assistant Executive Engineer Gyan Ranjan Pradhan, Assistant Engineer P. K. Nahak, P. M. Sahu, Pramod Kumar Satapathy, Assistant Engineer Chinmayee Raut, C. P. Lambodar Goud, Block Programme Coordinator (BPC) Krushnakanta Panda and Assistant Project Officer (APO) Nandini Das, among others.
On the occasion, members of the Dharakote Press Club also welcomed the newly appointed BDO by presenting her with a bouquet.
Speaking after assuming charge, Lipina Das stated that her priority would be to make the block administration more active, efficient and responsive to public needs. She emphasised that greater attention would be given to the effective implementation of various government welfare and development schemes to ensure that their benefits reach ordinary people.
Her appointment is expected to strengthen administrative functioning in Dharakote Block and accelerate the implementation of development programmes. Residents will look forward to improved coordination among departments, timely execution of development works and more effective delivery of government services under the new BDO's leadership.
