Bhubaneswar: Usha Padhee, a highly esteemed bureaucrat in India, has consistently demonstrated trailblazing leadership throughout her career, particularly in the housing, transport, and civil aviation sectors. Her journey is marked by significant “firsts” that have redefined traditional norms in governance and public service.
She broke the glass ceiling by becoming the first woman Chairperson-cum-Managing Director (CMD) of Pawan Hans Ltd, a Mini Ratna CPSE helicopter company. Furthermore, she also achieved the distinction of being the first woman Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), an organization that usually sees IPS officers at its helm. In this role, she has been instrumental in framing regional connectivity schemes and overseeing aviation security standards.
Beyond her impressive designations, Smt. Padhee has redefined leadership through empathy and inclusion. A notable instance of this was her decision to appoint Sandhya Rani Majhi from Mayurbhanj, a woman driver trained under the State Transport Authority, as one of her official chauffeurs.
This was a first for Odisha and a milestone for India, symbolizing not just gender diversity but a profound recognition of dignity, trust, and humanity for individuals in often overlooked roles. This empathetic choice underscored the indispensable, albeit silent, role drivers play in governance and service delivery, highlighting their aspirations, capabilities, and courage.
Smt. Padhee’s influence extends to fostering broader empowerment initiatives. As Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, she has also taken on the interim role of Chairperson for the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA), ensuring its continued functioning and safeguarding consumer rights.
In her role within the Commerce and Transport Department, she continues to champion programs like the upcoming “Women Suvahak” initiative, which aims to train 500 women drivers annually, thereby promoting economic independence and self-worth.
Her leadership serves as a powerful reminder that real change is driven by everyday decisions rooted in respect, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.