Bhubaneswar: The proposed medical colleges in Balasore and Balangir districts are likely to be functional in 2018-19 academic session with the completion of construction works as soon as possible.

Chairing a review meeting at state secretariat here on Thursday, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi asked the officials to complete the construction works as per the Medical Council of India (MCI) guidelines.

There will be water harvesting and solar projects in the medical colleges in Balasore and Balangir. Reviwing the work progress of the medical colleges, Padhi directed to complete the construction works by October end.

The two medical colleges are being constructed at investment of total Rs 392 crore, out of which the state will bear Rs 261 crore and rest of the amount Rs 131 crore will be provided by the Centre.