On the occasion of Good Governance Day, coinciding with the state-level birth anniversary celebrations of former Prime Minister late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled several digital governance tools aimed at enhancing transparency and public service delivery.
In his address, CM Majhi emphasised that his 18-month-old government has been working tirelessly for the welfare of Odisha’s 4.5 crore people, drawing inspiration from Vajpayee’s mantra of good governance and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administrative reforms. “Vajpayee was the epitome of political ethics and ideals, serving as their finest brand ambassador. He embraced public service and national duty as his religion,” Majhi said.
Key launches included the CM Dashboard for real-time monitoring of various projects and schemes, the expansion of the Odisha State Wide Area Network (OSWAS) system to district and block levels to promote paperless governance, and the ‘Ama Sathi Unified WhatsApp Chatbot’ dedicated to providing information on advanced healthcare services and water supply. Through the chatbot, over 150 essential government services will be accessible to citizens. “These initiatives will strengthen good governance in the state,” the CM added.
The program, organised by the Information and Public Relations Department at the OUAT Agriculture Education Hall in Bhubaneswar, featured a photo exhibition on Vajpayee’s life, which the CM inaugurated. He also awarded prizes to meritorious students who participated in speech and drawing competitions held by the department.
Paying homage to Vajpayee, Majhi described him as a seasoned politician, poet, writer, and philosopher of Indianness who never treated politics as a mere profession. “Whether in power or opposition, he always prioritised national interest,” the CM noted. He highlighted Vajpayee’s landmark contributions to India’s development, including the Golden Quadrilateral project, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, and the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act.
Majhi also recalled Vajpayee’s specific contributions to Odisha, such as the establishment of AIIMS in Bhubaneswar, leadership during the 1999 super cyclone for rescue, relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts, and major projects like the East Coast Railway, Paradip oil refinery, and Paradip-Haridaspur railway line.
Inspired by Vajpayee’s ideals, PM Modi has given a new vision to India, focusing on development and security, Majhi said. Aligning with Modi’s mantra of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas’, the Odisha government is committed to the all-round development of four key societal pillars: women, the poor, youth, and farmers.
Prior to the event, the CM offered floral tributes at Vajpayee’s statue in the AIIMS Bhubaneswar premises.
Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, speaking as a guest, remarked that despite Vajpayee’s limited time as PM, his governance style continues to benefit the nation. “It is our responsibility to pass on his legacy to future generations,” he said.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg defined good governance as ensuring the benefits of schemes reach everyone, stressing its role in accelerating growth.
Principal Secretary of Electronics & IT and Energy Department, Vishal Dev, highlighted Vajpayee’s strong role in strengthening administrative systems.
Additional Chief Secretary of Information and Public Relations Department Hemant Sharma delivered the welcome address, noting that Good Governance Day reminds us to make government services more people-oriented. Deputy Director Sucheta Priyadarshini proposed the vote of thanks.
The event underscored Odisha’s push towards digital transformation and efficient administration, honouring Vajpayee’s vision on his birth anniversary.
