Minister urges ULB representatives to scale up urban initiatives

Bhubaneswar: Housing and Urban Development Minister Usha Devi inaugurated a state-level workshop-cum-orientation for elected representatives of ULBs at Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday.

The chairman, vice-chairman and councillors of 12 ULBs from five districts – Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara attended.

Speaking on the occasion, she said: “Together we can scale up our initiatives and contribute in transforming the urban Odisha. You all are peoples representatives and all our programmes are people centric. Hence, your involvement and leadership will lead us to success.

“You all elected members are ‘city leaders’. You are our eyes and ears from whom we get updates and feedbacks on various key urban initiatives.”

Sangramjit Nayak, Director Municipal Administration put focus to the transparency in the work done in the urban space. He highlighted on how Housing and Urban Development hás evolved into a vibrant fast functioning department with a whole range of activities that cover mostly all aspects of urban life.

Sarada Prasad Panda, Joint Secretary and Director, SUDA in his welcome address emphasised on effective community partnership and strengthening the Mission Shakti SHGs and Slum Dweller Associations.

Sanjay kumar Paramanik,OSD-cum-FA, Surendra Routray Addl Mission Director Jaga Mission, Sanjaya Rout, Administrative Officer OUIDF and other Officers highlighted on urban sanitation, community participation in urban initiatives like MUKTA, AAHAR, JALASATHI, water body rejuvenation, finance management and Mo Sarkar & 5T initiatives.