Urban Development Will Define the Next Decade: Usha Padhee

Bhubaneswar: “The next decade belongs to Urban Development, and we must dedicate ourselves to this mission with dignity and responsibility,” said Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, while addressing Engineers, MIS professionals, Accountants, and Team Leads of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and District Urban Development Agencies (DUDAs) during an orientation on the Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana (MSBY).

Emphasizing that urban transformation is not confined to infrastructure alone, Padhee stressed the need to build dignified, inclusive, and sustainable cities. “Our present efforts will decide whether the next generation faces challenges or inherits a better world. It is not positions but knowledge that gives true dignity,” she remarked, urging the participants to recognize the long-term impact of their work.

Encouraging the officials, she added, “Each one of us is an integral part of the system. It is our prime duty to ensure that the system functions in the right direction. Together, let us be partners in creating better cities and stronger urban futures.”

Highlighting the vision behind MSBY, the Principal Secretary noted that the scheme is a transformative step to strengthen the capacity of ULBs and DUDAs, equipping them to deliver quality services and citizen-centric governance. She also called upon the participants to embrace innovation, adopt technology-driven practices, and develop a sense of ownership in the implementation of urban programmes.

The orientation session, held in the Conference Hall of SUDA, witnessed active participation and interaction. Director Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, Director SUDA Rabindra Sahoo, along with other senior officers, were present at the session.