Bhubaneswar: The two-day National Conference on Good Governance Practices officially began today at the Convention Centre of Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar, bringing together key administrative leaders to discuss advancements in public service. The conference was jointly inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, underscoring a commitment to collaborative, technology-driven governance.
In his keynote address, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized Odisha’s significant progress in administrative reforms. He highlighted initiatives ranging from paperless budgeting to advanced digital grievance redressal mechanisms, stating, “Odisha is proud to contribute not just as a host but as an active partner in India’s journey towards responsive and transparent governance.”
The Chief Minister showcased Odisha’s flagship administrative tools, including the Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System (OSWAS) and the innovative ‘Work Passbook’. These initiatives, he explained, are designed to enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen engagement within the state’s administrative framework. He urged a fundamental shift in governance philosophy: “from bureaucracy to responsiveness, from files to data, and from compliance to outcomes.”
Chief Minister Majhi concluded by aligning the conference’s objectives with the broader national vision, asserting, “This conference is not just an event—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of Indian governance. Let it be a milestone on our path toward a New India that is efficient, equitable, and empathetic,” echoing Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s mission for a Vikshit Bharat by 2047.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stressed the crucial role of regional collaboration in driving governance reform. “Good governance means turning every challenge into an opportunity. By holding these conferences across different states, we ensure that governance models are both locally relevant and nationally cohesive,” he remarked, advocating for a decentralized yet unified approach to administrative improvements.
The inaugural session also featured remarks from Shri Surendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of General Administration & Public Grievance, Government of Odisha. Shri Puneet Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Government of India, delivered the vote of thanks. The event saw a robust attendance of ministers, senior bureaucrats, and top-ranking officers from various states, signaling a widespread commitment to enhancing administrative practices.
Jointly organized by DARPG and the Government of Odisha, the conference has attracted over 400 delegates nationwide, serving as a vital forum for sharing best practices, innovations, and policy insights aimed at strengthening governance frameworks across the country.