Bhubaneswar, February 28: The second day of the consultative conference organized by the Planning & Convergence Department and the Odisha Centre for Integrated Development (OCID) highlighted the importance of Odia identity and good governance.
Suresh Kumar Vashishth, Principal Secretary of the General Administration & Public Grievance Department, emphasized transparent, citizen-centric governance, mentioning that 445 services across 32 departments are being delivered under the Right to Public Services Act. He also pointed out digital advancements like the Ama Sathi Dashboard and WhatsApp chatbot to streamline service delivery.
Dr. Pabitra Mohan Samal, Principal Secretary of the Law Department, presented various judicial reforms, including e-Courts, paperless courts, and the Odisha Replant Bill, 2026, all aimed at strengthening the justice delivery system.
Dr. Bijay Ketan Upadhyaya, Secretary of the Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department, discussed the government’s commitment to promoting Odia culture. The 2026-27 budget allocates Rs 614.97 crore to the department, with additional funds for the Shree Jagannath Museum in Puri and a new museum in Bhubaneswar. Initiatives like the "Odisha Baraputra Aitihya Grama Yojna" will develop memorials for distinguished personalities.
Additionally, the state is advancing tourism with the "Think India, Think Odisha" campaign, prioritizing eco-cultural destinations and enhancing tourism infrastructure. The Odisha Tourism Policy 2026 includes incentives for women, SC/ST, and differently-abled entrepreneurs and promotes eco-tourism, adventure tourism, and rural hospitality.
These initiatives align with Odisha’s vision for sustainable growth and global recognition by 2047.
