The Government of Odisha marked Civil Services Day 2026 with a state-level event organised by the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration at the Lokseva Bhawan, reaffirming the commitment of civil servants to public service, good governance, and citizen-centric administration.
Observed annually on April 21 across India, Civil Services Day provides an opportunity for civil servants to renew their dedication to nation-building and excellence in governance.
Focus on Viksit Odisha and Inclusive Growth
The event was graced by Anu Garg, Chief Secretary of Odisha, who delivered the special address. She emphasized the state’s progress towards the vision of Viksit Odisha aligned with Viksit Bharat.
Highlighting the need for impactful governance, she outlined six guiding principles:
- Scale
- Speed
- Synergy
- System-building
- Simplification
- Sustainability
She stressed that a results-oriented and citizen-focused approach is essential to achieve inclusive and sustainable development.
Collaborative Governance Takes Centre Stage
The keynote address was delivered by Jugal Kishore Mohapatra, IAS (Retd.), who shared insights on the evolving model of Collaborative Governance.
Drawing from his extensive administrative experience, he encouraged officers to maintain the highest standards of integrity, efficiency, and public service delivery.
Interactive Dialogue Among Officers
An open house session enabled officers from various levels to exchange ideas, share field experiences, and discuss strategies to improve governance outcomes and service delivery.
In her welcome address, Chithra Arumugam, Additional Chief Secretary and Director General of the academy, highlighted the changing role of civil servants in a dynamic administrative landscape.
Wide Participation Across the State
- Around 300 officers from multiple departments participated in the event
- District Collectors and officials from all districts joined virtually
- The programme was also live-streamed, ensuring broader engagement
The event reflected strong enthusiasm and a shared commitment to strengthening governance mechanisms across Odisha.
