A group of ten IAS Officer Trainees from the 2024 batch, allotted to the Odisha cadre, visited the Department of Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) as part of their orientation program.
The visit aimed to offer firsthand exposure to the governance and execution of key urban development initiatives in the state.
The trainees were warmly welcomed by Principal Secretary Smt. Usha Padhee, alongside senior officials including Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua and Special Secretary Debasis Singh. During the session, they gained valuable insights into urban planning strategies and sustainable governance.
Highlighting the progressive transformation in Odisha’s urban sector, Smt. Padhee emphasised the importance of innovation, inclusivity, and citizen-centric governance. She encouraged the officer trainees to contribute their fresh perspectives toward shaping policies for long-term sustainability and improved urban management.
During the interactive session, the department showcased its flagship initiatives under Viksit Odisha@2036 and the integration of digital platforms for efficient service delivery. The officers shared their experiences, discussed policy implementation strategies, and explored ways to enhance community participation in urban governance.
The session concluded with an open discussion, where the trainees expressed appreciation for the department’s forward-thinking approach. As future administrators, their engagement in such orientation programs is expected to help them implement urban policies that are sustainable and responsive to local needs.
