Bhubaneswar: As many as ten trainee IAS officers of the 2024 batch, allotted to the Odisha cadre, visited the Department of Housing & Urban Development as part of their orientation programme, on Friday.
The visit was aimed at providing them with hands-on exposure to the functioning of a key government department driving urban transformation in the state.
The trainee officers were warmly welcomed by Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, who along with Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua , Special Secretary Debasis Singh and other senior officers of the department, conducted an engaging and insightful session.
Addressing the trainees, Usha Padhee said, “The urban sector in Odisha is undergoing a rapid transformation driven by innovation, inclusivity, and citizen-centric governance. This is an exciting time to be part of public service, and I hope today’s interaction inspires you to think creatively and work collaboratively for urban development.”
During the interaction, the department presented key highlights of its flagship initiatives for a Viksit Odisha@2036 & the integration of digital platforms for efficient service delivery.
The Principal Secretary emphasised the role of young officers in shaping future Urban Policies that are sustainable and responsive to local needs. The trainees also had the opportunity to interact with officers leading various verticals, gaining practical insights into policy implementation, community participation and sustainable urban management.
The visit concluded with an open discussion, where the officer trainees expressed appreciation for the department’s progressive and people-centric approach to urban governance.
