The curtains came down on the two-day State-Level Revenue Officers’ Conference and Workshop in Bhubaneswar, marking a historic initiative to strengthen Odisha’s revenue administration and align it with the state’s ambitious vision for a prosperous future by 2036.
Held for the first time at the state level, the conference brought together revenue officers from across Odisha to deliberate on critical issues, share innovative practices, and chart a roadmap for citizen-centric governance. The event, graced by Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari and Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo, emphasised transparency, efficiency, and public trust as cornerstones of the Revenue Department’s mission.
In his keynote address, Minister Suresh Pujari underscored the pivotal role of the Revenue Department in shaping a “New Odisha.” He called on officers to serve with integrity and dedication, ensuring that citizens receive timely and equitable services. “The public is not at our mercy; they are entitled to our services. We must earn their trust through transparent and exemplary conduct,” Pujari stated. He highlighted key initiatives such as the Basundhara Yojana for land distribution, the creation of revenue villages, adherence to Odisha Government Land Settlement Rules, and the allocation of land titles to educational institutions as priority areas for officers to execute diligently.
Pujari announced that such conferences would now be held biennially at the state level and every six months at the divisional level to foster continuous improvement in revenue administration. He also lauded the state’s swift response to Cyclone Dana, noting that rapid damage assessments enabled prompt compensation for affected communities. The government’s decision to declare recent unseasonal rains a state-specific disaster and plans to amend the existing Relief Code were also highlighted as steps toward robust disaster management. “The Revenue Department will be a key driver in building a developed Odisha, and I am confident our officers will rise to this challenge,” Pujari affirmed.
Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo, speaking as the chief guest, urged revenue officers to prioritize the interests of the public and the state in their duties. “Your decisions must reflect the needs of the common man, ensuring justice is delivered promptly and fairly,” he said. He emphasised the importance of thorough investigation and analysis before making decisions, calling on officers to bridge the gap between the administration and the public. Singhdeo reiterated the government’s commitment to grassroots development, with revenue officers playing a crucial role in making governance more accessible and responsive.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Deoranjan Kumar Singh, inspired the officers by acknowledging their hard-earned positions and encouraging them to leverage their expertise for public welfare. “You have excelled through tough competition and possess immense talent. Use it to drive progress for the people of Odisha,” he said. The conference saw active participation from senior officials, including Northern, Southern, and Central Revenue Divisional Commissioners Sachin Ram Chandra Yadav, Rupa Roshan Sahu, and B. Parameswaran, respectively. Outstanding tehsils were recognised for their exemplary contributions to revenue administration, adding a celebratory note to the event.
The conference commenced with a warm welcome address by Additional Secretary Madhusmita Sahu, setting the stage for productive discussions. Kamal Lochan Mishra, Executive Director of the Odisha Disaster Management Authority, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants for their contributions to the event’s success. The two-day gathering was described as a “successful brainstorming session” that provided revenue officers with renewed motivation and a clear direction for enhancing service delivery. Topics such as land reforms, disaster management, and public engagement were thoroughly discussed, equipping officers with the tools and inspiration to work with greater dedication.
As Odisha strides toward its goal of becoming a developed state, the Revenue Department is poised to play a transformative role. The conference not only highlighted the department’s critical responsibilities but also set a precedent for regular collaboration and innovation in governance.
With a renewed focus on transparency and public welfare, Odisha’s revenue officers are ready to contribute significantly to the state’s journey toward progress and prosperity.
