Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday called upon members of the Odisha Administrative Service to be more people-friendly while discharging their administrative duties.

"People's welfare remains at the centre of our governance. I want that not even a single individual be deprived of his rightful entitlements, more so in case of disadvantaged sections of the society. We need to be more sensitive to the needs of the poor and the deprived," said Naveen while addressing the valedictory function of Odisha Administrative Service Officers' Association.

Odisha Administrative Service plays a pivotal role in the state administration.

Starting from the grassroots level to blocks, tehsils and districts and state headquarters, the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers are responsible for the successful implementation of all development and welfare schemes and programmes.

"The turnaround of Odisha through our major developmental initiatives and unique welfare schemes owes a lot to the committed efforts of these administrators. I would expect more of this from you in the coming days", said Naveen. His address to the state service cadre assumes significance in view of the coming urban polls and next year's general elections.

"We now need to speed up the implementation of our flagship schemes till the last mile delivery point and reach out to our people. The whole hearted support, dedication and commitment of the administrators in properly assessing the grassroot level needs and in providing necessary impetus to the government schemes and programmes would be highly essential for accomplishment of our objectives", he said.

He said his government had been sympathetic to the problems that administrators face while diligently discharging their duties. Naveen assured the officers all support and protection.