Odisha Holds Special Camp Court to Fast-Track Citizen Appeals under ODA Act

Bhubaneswar: In a landmark step towards citizen-centric governance and speedy justice delivery, a special Camp Court was convened today at UNNATI Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. The initiative, led by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UD), aims to accelerate the resolution of appeal cases under the Odisha Development Authorities (ODA) Act, 1982.

Organised under the direct guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Camp Court reflects the State Government’s commitment to a citizen-first approach by ensuring transparency, accountability, and timely redressal of public grievances.

Presiding as the designated appellate authority for cases pertaining to the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Padhee adjudicated 140 appeal cases during the day-long session, significantly reducing the backlog of over 400 pending appeals. The cases primarily involved citizens contesting administrative decisions issued by BDA and BMC under the provisions of the ODA Act.

Speaking on the initiative, Padhee emphasized the importance of accessibility and responsiveness in governance. “The Camp Court is not just about clearing cases — it’s about building trust and ensuring that citizens feel heard and empowered within the system,” she said.

The H&UD Department has also appointed Special Secretaries and Additional Secretaries as appellate authorities to further decentralize the appeal process and enhance operational efficiency. This move is expected to ensure faster case disposal and strengthen the appellate mechanism across the State.

The Camp Court initiative has received overwhelming appreciation from the public for upholding fairness and transparency in urban governance. It provides citizens with a direct avenue to seek justice and challenge administrative decisions that may not align with due process or public interest.

The Department has announced plans to continue Camp Court sessions in a phased manner, with the goal of clearing all pending appeals in a time-bound and efficient process — marking a significant stride toward a more accountable and citizen-responsive administration in Odisha.