Bhubaneswar: Probationary officers of the Odisha cadre of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) from the 2024 batch engaged in an insightful interaction with Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja today. The meeting, held at the Chief Secretary’s office in Lok Seva Bhawan, provided a platform for the young officers to gain valuable guidance on various aspects of the State’s administrative framework.
During the session, the probationers raised queries on a range of pertinent issues. Shri Ahuja addressed their concerns by offering comprehensive advice on the intricacies of the administrative system, the various developmental schemes currently being implemented across the state, and the expectations regarding their performance in their future roles.
Emphasizing the importance of understanding the state’s rich heritage, Shri Ahuja underscored the “real need to know about the art, culture, language, literature, architecture, etc. of the state.” He highlighted Odisha’s remarkable progress across diverse sectors, stating that the state is “performing better than many states in the education, health and social sectors at the national level.” He urged the new officers to contribute actively to this ongoing momentum.
Furthermore, Shri Ahuja stressed the significance of social responsibility and a citizen-centric approach. He called upon the officers to be acutely aware of the challenges faced by the common people and to approach their duties with empathy. He advised them to leverage the power of artificial intelligence and technology judiciously in problem-solving and in achieving their designated goals.
In a unique piece of advice, the Chief Secretary encouraged the officers to connect with the grassroots by visiting Anganwadi centers, schools, health centers, and public service locations not merely as officials but as ordinary citizens. He emphasized that understanding the ground realities and social norms would significantly enhance their efficiency in their professional lives.
Responding to the officers’ questions about Odisha’s developmental trajectory, Shri Ahuja highlighted the state’s advancements in key areas such as industry, textiles, agriculture, and renewable energy, urging them to align their efforts with this progress.
Prior to their meeting with the Chief Secretary, the probationers also had an interaction with Development Commissioner Anu Garg. During this session, Smt. Garg shared encouraging insights into the state’s socio-economic progress, noting the “rapidly decreasing poverty rate” and the increasing budgetary allocations for various sectors in Odisha compared to other states. She advised the young officers to maintain a continuous learning mindset and to strive for a balanced approach in their professional endeavors.
Manish Agarwal, ADG, Gopabandhu Academy, was also present during these interactions. The probationers are currently undergoing their training at the Gopabandhu Academy and are gaining crucial field experience across various districts of Odisha. Today’s meetings with the top administrative officials are expected to significantly enrich their understanding of the state’s governance and development priorities as they embark on their careers in public service.