The conference was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, along with Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister of Odisha. In his keynote address, Dr. Singh outlined the four critical dimensions of the Modi-led reforms, describing them as revolutionary, breaking away from outdated practices and challenging long-held conventions. The Minister emphasized their far-reaching socio-economic impact, particularly at the grassroots level, where they have improved service delivery and enhanced citizens’ quality of life. Dr Singh observed that the initiatives in the past eleven years have fundamentally changed the mindset of the common citizen, instilling a new sense of self-esteem, confidence, and trust in the system.
Dr. Singh pointed out that several initiatives—such as the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) and the Digital Life Certificate—have evolved into global models of innovative governance. He also highlighted the rise of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which has surpassed traditional global payment platforms like VISA, as a testament to the government’s commitment to digital empowerment. He mentioned the repeal of over 1,600 obsolete laws, emphasizing how it has reduced bureaucratic hurdles and increased administrative efficiency.
Reflecting on the journey of governance reform, Dr. Singh noted that of the 41 Good Governance Conferences held since Independence, 29 have taken place during Prime Minister Modi’s tenure, showcasing the administration’s unwavering commitment to progressive governance.
He commended Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, for successfully organizing the conference and advancing the national discourse on public service innovation.
Addressing the gathering in the inaugural session, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi reaffirmed Odisha’s commitment to people-centric, technology-driven, and future-ready governance. “Good governance is not a privilege for a few but a fundamental right of every citizen and a solemn duty of every public servant,” he said. He highlighted Odisha’s transformation across key sectors—ranging from disaster management and inclusive development to digital public services and data-informed policymaking.
In his remarks, Shri V. Srinivas, Secretary, DARPG, emphasized that the conference was aligned with the 2025 Civil Services Day theme: “Holistic Development of India through Holistic Development of Districts and Blocks.” He reiterated the Prime Minister’s vision for governance built on Commitment, Collaboration, and Capability.
The two-day event featured insightful sessions, best practices, and success stories from across the country, highlighting a new paradigm in governance that is transparent, responsive, and citizen-first.
Session I of the National Conference focused on Prime Minister’s Awarded Initiatives 2024 under the theme of Holistic Development of Districts. Chaired by Shri Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary, DARPG, the session showcased exemplary district-level governance models.
Session II of the Conference was based on the Prime Minister’s Awarded Initiatives 2024 under the Aspirational Block Program. The session was chaired by Smt. Sarita Chauhan, Joint Secretary (ARPG), and featured impactful presentations from district leaders driving transformational changes in aspirational blocks.
Session III of the National Conference focused on Prime Minister’s Awarded Initiatives 2023/2024 (Multiple Categories), and was chaired by Dr. S. N. Tripathi, Director General, IIPA. The session featured presentations on innovative governance solutions across diverse sectors.
Session IV of the National Conference on Day Two highlighted Prime Minister’s Awarded Initiatives 2024 in the category of Innovation at the State and District levels. The session was chaired by Shri NBS Rajput, Principal Secretary, Government of Odisha, and featured a range of pioneering initiatives driving impactful change across regions.
The last technical session of the National Conference was dedicated to showcasing Innovation in the Odisha Government, with a focus on technology-driven and socially impactful governance.
The Valedictory Session concluded the two-day National Conference on a reflective and inspiring note. Shri Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary DARPG, summarized the key discussions from the conference and emphasized the importance of innovation, collaboration, and citizen-centric approaches in governance. Shri Surendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha, shared insights on Odisha’s governance reforms and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to co-host the national platform.
The National Conference on Good Governance Practices served as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange, collaborative learning, and recognition of exemplary public service initiatives from across India. With a strong focus on innovation, inclusivity, and transformative governance, the two-day event reaffirmed the collective resolve of the Centre and States to create a transparent, efficient, and citizen-first administration.
