Odisha Hosts National Conference on Good Governance Practices

Bhubaneswar: The two-day National Conference on Good Governance Practices commenced today at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, bringing together top policymakers, administrators, and reform advocates from across the country. The conference was jointly inaugurated by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, setting the stage for a renewed push toward transparent, tech-driven governance.

In his keynote address, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized Odisha’s ongoing transformation in public administration and its commitment to innovation. Highlighting initiatives such as the Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System (OSWAS) and the ‘Work Passbook’, he said these measures have significantly improved transparency, efficiency, and citizen participation.

“Odisha is proud to be more than just a host—we are a committed partner in building a responsive and transparent governance ecosystem,” the Chief Minister said. He urged a fundamental shift in governance from “bureaucracy to responsiveness, from files to data, and from compliance to outcomes.” He added that the conference marks a crucial moment in the journey toward Vikshit Bharat 2047, echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, addressing the gathering, emphasized the importance of regional collaboration and contextual governance models. “Each state has unique challenges and solutions. Through such conferences held across India, we’re ensuring that the best governance practices are both regionally rooted and nationally aligned,” he said.

The inaugural session also saw insightful remarks from Surendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of General Administration & Public Grievance, Government of Odisha, who outlined the state’s evolving administrative reforms. Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, offered the vote of thanks, appreciating the joint efforts in making the event a reality.

Jointly organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) and the Government of Odisha, the conference has brought together over 400 delegates from across the country. It serves as a national forum to exchange ideas, share success stories, and forge strategies that promote efficient and citizen-centric governance.

As the sessions continue over the next two days, the spotlight will remain on replicable innovations, digital transformation, and policy frameworks that aim to strengthen India’s administrative machinery in line with evolving citizen expectations.