Odisha to Celebrate State-Level Local Self-Government Day from This Year

Bhubaneswar: Odisha will celebrate its first-ever State-Level Local Self-Government Day this year. The announcement was made following a meeting chaired by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushnachandra Mahapatra, who emphasized that the celebration should break from tradition and be observed in a unique and meaningful way.

The meeting, held in the State Assembly, saw detailed discussions on the various programs to be organized across the state’s 115 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Dr. Mahapatra suggested that the event should go beyond the usual format to reflect the importance of local governance in fostering community development.

The inaugural Local Self-Government Day will witness the dedication of various development projects in all 115 ULBs. In addition, competitions will be held at the local level, with awards and certificates presented to the winners. This initiative aims to engage the public and promote awareness of the critical role local governance plays in improving urban life.

Present at the meeting were key officials from the Housing and Urban Development Department, including Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, Special Secretary Debashis Singh, Additional Secretary Rabindrakumar Sahu, and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Additional Commissioner Subhendu Sahu.

Following the meeting, Principal Secretary Usha Padhee held a video conference with commissioners and executive officers from all ULBs, including the five municipal corporations. She provided clear instructions for ensuring the event’s success, urging all officers to prepare thoroughly and involve the community. “The celebration of Local Self-Government Day must be a collective effort, executed with determination and sincerity,” she stated.