Bhubaneswar: Six Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officers of the 2025 batch, currently undergoing state-specific training at the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration (GAA), Bhubaneswar, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Secretary of Odisha, Anu Garg, on Tuesday.
During the interaction, the Chief Secretary held an extensive discussion with the trainee officers and highlighted the development journey of Odisha along with its future vision. She emphasized the importance of gaining a deep understanding of the state before the officers go on to represent India and its states both within the country and abroad.
Anu Garg underlined that state-specific exposure plays a crucial role in shaping well-informed and effective administrators and diplomats. In this context, she said, the training being imparted in Odisha assumes special significance.
The Chief Secretary elaborated on various facets of Odisha’s governance and development, including agriculture, industrial growth, natural resources, tourism potential, disaster management, and skill development initiatives. She also shared insights into the state’s policy priorities and administrative challenges.
As part of their training programme, the IFS officers are scheduled to visit several districts across the state. Their itinerary includes Daringbadi in Kandhamal district, other districts, and prominent heritage and cultural sites such as the Konark Sun Temple.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the General Administration and Public Grievances Department, Surendra Kumar, and Deputy Director General of the Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, Monalisa Lenka, among other officials.
