Odisha Launches Orientation for Master Trainers to Drive Urban Transformation

Bhubaneswar: In a strategic move to strengthen urban governance and enhance capacity-building at the grassroots level, a two-day orientation programme for district-level Master Trainers on key urban initiatives began today at the SUDA Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar. The programme was inaugurated by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha.

In her inaugural address, Padhee emphasized the need for a shift in urban management practices to align with the state’s long-term developmental goals. “To achieve the vision of Viksit Odisha @2036 and contribute meaningfully to Viksit Bharat @2047, we must adopt a progressive, planning-driven, and innovation-oriented approach. Urban programmes are not just schemes; they are our commitments to improve people’s lives,” she said. She urged the trainers to become agents of transformation and engage proactively with flagship missions such as Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana (MSBY), Shahajog, and Ankur.

The inaugural day featured detailed thematic sessions led by senior officials, including Arindam Dakua, Director of Municipal Administration; Shri Gangadhar Naik, Special Secretary; Satrughna Kar, Additional Secretary; Sikha Biswal, Financial Advisor; Saroj Kumar Das, Joint Secretary; Bilas Behera, Engineer-in-Chief; and Gurucharan Das, Managing Director of WATCO. The officials provided insights on critical areas such as affordable housing, urban sanitation, water supply systems, sustainable city planning, and innovations in governance and digital service delivery.

Welcoming the participants, Rabindra Kumar Sahu, Additional Secretary and Project Director of SUDA, outlined the vision behind the orientation. He noted that the Master Trainers would play a crucial role in transferring knowledge and building institutional capacity across districts and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

The programme saw participation from PD DUDAs, Executive Officers of ULBs, and various urban functionaries. The orientation marks a significant step toward ensuring the successful implementation of Odisha’s urban development roadmap, anchored in inclusivity, resilience, and citizen-centric governance.