Bhubaneswar, 18 May (H.S.): The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department of Odisha organized an interactive orientation programme for six IAS probationers of the 2025 Odisha cadre, aimed at providing them with comprehensive exposure to the state’s evolving urban governance framework and citizen-centric development initiatives.

The session was conducted under the leadership of Arindam Dakua, Director of Municipal Administration, along with senior officials and vertical heads of the department. During the interaction, the officers presented the department’s key activities, flagship programmes, and institutional mechanisms related to urban governance and public service delivery.

The probationers were briefed on major urban initiatives covering affordable housing, water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, urban infrastructure, and technology-enabled governance systems. Officials explained how policy decisions are effectively translated into citizen services through coordinated implementation at the field level.

The orientation programme highlighted the importance of empathetic, responsive, and beneficiary-centric governance in addressing the growing challenges of rapid urbanization. The young officers were encouraged to remain connected with grassroots realities while adopting innovation, data-driven planning, and inter-departmental coordination to strengthen urban service delivery systems.

As part of the programme, the IAS probationers also undertook exposure visits to an AAHAR Kendra and the BSABT Facility, where they observed the operational aspects of key urban welfare and governance initiatives being implemented in the state.

The field visits provided the officers with practical insights into Odisha’s integrated urban management approach and reinforced the significance of efficient, inclusive, and sustainable urban administration in a rapidly developing urban landscape.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda