In a significant step towards shaping Odisha’s future, nine Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers from the 2023 Odisha cadre, currently undergoing training at the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, met with the state’s Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary, Smt. Anu Garg, at Lok Seva Bhawan today.
The meeting focused on the officers’ pivotal role in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering a prosperous Odisha through effective governance and strategic planning.
During the interaction, Smt. Anu Garg provided the probationary IAS officers with critical insights into Odisha’s developmental programs. She emphasized their role in driving sustainable development and ensuring inclusive growth across the state. The officers were briefed on the functions of the Planning & Convergence Department and its Directorate of Economics and Statistics, which play a crucial role in coordinating and accelerating development initiatives. Garg highlighted the importance of understanding statistical data, which will be instrumental in their future roles as district administrators. She urged the officers to focus on the progress of Odisha’s 10 identified aspirational districts and 29 aspirational blocks, ensuring targeted development in these regions.
The Development Commissioner also stressed the significance of the SDGs, encouraging the officers to deeply understand the key aspects of sustainable development to implement them effectively in their respective districts. She inspired the trainees, wishing them success in their upcoming roles and encouraging them to contribute meaningfully to Odisha’s growth trajectory.
Dr. Bijay Bhushan Nanda, Director of the Directorate of Economics and Statistics, delivered a presentation on the importance of statistics in development. He noted that Odisha has made remarkable strides in statistical systems, providing critical data in areas such as agriculture, socio-economic indicators, industry, and price statistics. This data supports various departments in planning and executing development programs. Dr. Nanda also highlighted the Odisha Economic Survey 2024-25, which outlines key developmental priorities, helping the officers prepare for their roles in advancing the state’s growth.
The officers were introduced to initiatives like the Odisha State Capability and Resilient Growth Program, which integrates data from multiple departments to enhance transparency and strengthen developmental efforts. The meeting underscored the importance of data-driven governance in achieving Odisha’s long-term development goals.
