In a significant initiative aimed at strengthening urban governance and fostering evidence-based policymaking in the context of rapid urbanisation, the Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, organised a special knowledge exchange session titled “Rethinking Urban Governance: Some Reflections.” The programme sought to promote dialogue on making urban governance more efficient, accountable, citizen-centric and future-ready.
The session, held yesterday at the 8th Floor Conference Hall of Kharavela Bhawan, featured an insightful keynote address by eminent academician Professor Pralaya Kanungo of Leiden University, the Netherlands. Drawing upon contemporary global experiences and urban governance models from different countries, Prof. Kanungo emphasised that citizen-centric governance is fundamental to delivering more accountable, responsive and forward-looking urban services, ultimately enhancing the quality of life of urban residents.
The deliberations focused on emerging policy approaches, institutional reforms and strengthening of Urban Local Bodies to make urban governance more effective and responsive. Participants underscored the importance of promoting inclusive and equitable urban development by prioritising the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged communities. Discussions also highlighted the necessity of developing resilient urban infrastructure and strengthening disaster preparedness to effectively address urban flooding and the growing challenges posed by climate change.
The session further emphasised the role of data-driven decision-making and digital technologies in ensuring transparent, efficient and responsive urban governance. Deliberations also covered strengthening municipal financial management, enhancing revenue mobilisation, improving service delivery, promoting continuous capacity building, institutional strengthening and greater decentralisation to empower Urban Local Bodies.
Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Smt. Usha Padhee, Director, Municipal Administration, Shri Arindam Dakua, Director, Odisha Urban Academy, Shri Subhendu Sahu, senior officers of the Department and domain experts participated in the programme. Commissioners of all Municipal Corporations as well as Executive Officers of Municipalities and NACs across the State joined the session virtually.
Addressing the gathering, Smt. Padhee emphasised that continuous learning and exposure to global best practices are essential for building efficient, accountable and future-ready urban institutions. She observed that as Odisha’s cities continue to grow at a rapid pace, municipal administrations must evolve beyond their traditional role as service providers and emerge as strategic institutions driving sustainable, inclusive and citizen-centric urban development. She added that the convergence of international best practices with local innovation would significantly strengthen Odisha’s urban transformation journey.
Prof. Pralaya Kanungo appreciated the initiative of the Government of Odisha and observed that sustained engagement among academia, policymakers and practitioners is vital for shaping resilient, inclusive and future-oriented cities. He noted that such knowledge-sharing platforms create valuable opportunities for exchanging ideas, strengthening institutional capacity and promoting innovative approaches to urban governance.
The knowledge exchange session reaffirmed the Government of Odisha’s commitment to strengthening urban governance through continuous learning, global collaboration and policy innovation. Such initiatives are expected to further accelerate the development of well-governed, inclusive, resilient and sustainable cities across the State.
