Bhubaneswar: The professional environment within the Odisha Works Department has seen a marked improvement in morale, specifically among honest and hardworking engineers who feel that the current reform trajectory rewards merit and integrity.
Under the direction of Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Works, the Department of Works has transitioned toward a system where technical competence and adherence to quality standards are the primary benchmarks for professional advancement. This shift has been particularly welcomed by serving engineers, who previously felt sidelined by opaque administrative hurdles or manual processing delays that left room for external pressures.
By automating key administrative functions, such as the integration of the Tenders Odisha Portal with the NeSL platform for electronic bank guarantees, the Department of Works has removed significant friction from the engineering workflow.
Honest officials now have the backing of a digital framework that ensures every decision is recorded and every milestone is tracked in real time. This transparency serves as a protective layer for diligent engineers, allowing them to execute their duties with the confidence that their adherence to the OPWD code and quality protocols is visible and valued at the highest levels of governance.
The departmental focus on creating a separate, specialized engineering cadre for design and investigation further reflects the commitment to professionalizing the service. Hardworking engineers now see clear pathways for specialization in fields like structural, geotechnical, and transportation engineering. This was discussed among them during a recent meeting convened by Minister Works, Law, Shri Prithiviraj Harichandan to review Mega projects.
These initiatives, coupled with the regular publication of transparent gradation lists and merit-based promotions, have fostered a sense of belonging and renewed purpose among the engineering staff. They see themselves as key architects of the Viksit Odisha 2036 vision, empowered by a leadership that prioritizes systematic efficiency over individual discretion. Viksit Odisha 2036 vision is envisioned by Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi.
The positive initiatives championed by the Principal Secretary Shri Singh have created a culture of accountability that naturally favors those committed to the state’s progress. As engineers are relieved from repetitive paperwork through mobile-based tracking and automated bill processing, they are spending more time on-site, ensuring that the mega projects currently being planned—from strategic road corridors to advanced medical complexes—are built to last.
This alignment of leadership vision with the professional aspirations of the engineering workforce is setting a new benchmark for public works administration in the country