Bhubaneswar: A one-day induction workshop for elected representatives of Urban Local Bodies on transformative Urban Odisha was held today in line with the 5T mandate.
The primary objective of the workshop was to sensitize the People’s Representatives of ULBs on various ongoing programmes and implementation modalities of how to go about effectively implementing it systematically for the benefit of the Urban Poor across the state.
At the outset, Sarada Prasad Panda, Project Director, SUDA, welcomed all elected representatives and requested them to get involved purposefully as City Leaders to transform the life of the people and the area as a whole. He told that the budget of the H & UD Department has been increased to Rs 8000 crore to create scope for the creation of need-based assets for the Urban Poor across 115 ULB.
Panda gave a vivid picture on MUKTA and AAHAR programmes and elaborated on the future aspects and their involvement in the programme.
Panda shared details about the MUKTA – a flagship programme of the Government of Odisha, focused on the identification of need-based projects, participation of Mission Shakti Group in the implementation of the projects, submission of a realistic plan of action for the year 23 – 24 etc.
He added that there is huge scope for taking different initiatives that aim at creating assets to enhance the life and livelihood of the people in the Urban Area. He requested all elected representatives to pay special attention to the timely release of payment to the Wage Seekers and Mission Shakti Groups.
Director, Municipal Administration Sangram Jit Nayak set the context for the day by emphasizing upon the fact that only knowledge-based active involvement of the elected representatives could bring a change in urban transformation. Considering the massive hike in the budget of the H & UD Department, all elected representatives should take the lead in creating more people centric facilities to make their city beautiful.
He added that women empowerment and participation of the local community are key that has triggered an era of improved governance across 115 ULBs in the state. He further stressed that all elected representatives have the responsibility of going to their area regularly to suggest what can be done for the people. He also suggested that tax collection at the ULB level should be accorded special priority. Last but not least he said that all of you are leaders and can create opportunities for the growth of the ULB.
Among others Special Secretary Sagarika Patnaik, Additional Secretary Binaya Dash, Pravat Mohapatra, Sourendra Routray, Durgesh Nandini Sahoo, Debasis Singh, Rabindra Kumar Sahoo and OSD-cum-Special Secretary Sanjaya Parmanik enlightened on water body rejuvenation, urban sanitation, JAGA Mission, 15th Finance Commission fund utilization, Community partnership, Urban Housing and Municipal Finance management etc.
Chairman, Vice Chairman and councillors from 15 urban local bodies Angul Municipality, Athamallik NAC, Talcher Municipality, Balugaon NAC, Banapur NAC, Jatni Municipality, Khordha Municipality, Daspalla NAC, Khandapada NAC, Ranpur NAC, Nayagarh Municipality, Konark NAC, Nimapada NAC, Pipili NAC, Hindol NAC attended the workshop held in the Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar.
