The second day of Vikas Manthan 1.0 – Governance in Action commenced with the plenary session titled “Surakshit Odisha.”
This session brought together senior policymakers and domain experts for focused discussions on the essential components of a secure, resilient, and future-ready state. The session emphasised the government’s integrated approach to safeguarding growth while advancing the vision of Viksit Odisha.
Organised around five strategic themes—strengthening internal security governance for Viksit Odisha, disaster management and resilient infrastructure, energy and sustainability, fiscal prudence and innovative finance, and sustainable mining and metals—the discussions placed a strong emphasis on coordinated, forward-looking policy action.
The session was moderated by Shri Prakash Mishra, former Director General of Police, with Prof. Nalin Kumar Mohapatra from the Centre for Russian and Central Asian Studies at the School of International Studies, JNU, serving as Co-Moderator.
The deliberations highlighted that robust internal security and governance frameworks are foundational for the efficient convergence of land, labour, capital, and technology, which are crucial for accelerated development. Speakers noted the growing importance of cybersecurity within an increasingly digital governance ecosystem, emphasising that the adoption of modern technologies must be complemented by widespread awareness and institutional preparedness.
Throughout the five thematic presentations, speakers outlined the need to strengthen disaster preparedness systems, promote clean and sustainable energy pathways, maintain fiscal discipline while leveraging innovative financing instruments, and encourage responsible, value-driven mineral development. The discussions collectively underscored the importance of balancing rapid economic expansion with resilience, sustainability, and prudent resource management.
The session featured presentations by Shri Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary, Home; Shri Vishal Kumar Dev, Additional Chief Secretary, Energy and Electronics & IT; Dr. Satyapriya Rath, Director, Budget; Dr. Kamal Lochan Mishra, Managing Director, OSDMA; and Shri Rohit Kumar Lenka, Director, Mines.
The “Surakshit Odisha” session set the stage for a development framework anchored in security, reaffirming the state’s commitment to building resilient systems, strengthening institutional capacity, and progressing towards the goals of Viksit Odisha 2036 in alignment with Viksit Bharat 2047.
