Bhubaneswar, 08 June (H.S.): The Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, will launch a 13-day statewide “Saharanchala Janasamparka O Nagarika Bhagidari Karyakrama” (Urban Citizen Outreach and Civic Participation Campaign) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from June 9 to June 21, 2026.

The initiative aims to strengthen citizen-centric urban governance by enhancing public awareness of civic services, government schemes, and civic responsibilities, while promoting direct engagement between citizens and urban local bodies. The programme is expected to encourage participatory governance and improve collaboration for the development of cleaner, more inclusive, and sustainable cities.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said active citizen participation is essential for successful urban transformation. He noted that the campaign will help bridge the gap between citizens and urban institutions, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and accessibility of public services under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

The campaign will include awareness rallies, ward-level meetings, public consultations, Swachhata drives, and community engagement programmes. Special focus will be given to sanitation, waste management, water conservation, environmental sustainability, and civic responsibility.

A key component of the initiative will be Citizen Service Delivery Camps, where residents can access services such as property tax assistance, water connections, trade licences, building plan approvals, and housing schemes. Dedicated help desks and grievance redressal systems will also be set up to address citizen concerns efficiently.

Urban Local Bodies will involve Self-Help Groups, Resident Welfare Associations, youth groups, and community organisations to ensure wide participation in the campaign. The programme will also cover themes such as public health, women’s participation, and youth engagement.

Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee said the initiative is designed to strengthen citizen engagement and improve service delivery. She added that feedback collected during the campaign will help ULBs make governance more responsive and citizen-focused.

The campaign will conclude with citizen feedback sessions to assess local needs and identify improvements in urban services, reinforcing Odisha’s commitment to transparent and participatory urban governance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda