Nine IAS probationers of the 2024 batch from Odisha cadre visited the Planning and Convergence Department in Bhubaneswar for field exposure, gaining insights into state planning, governance frameworks, and long‑term development vision.
Bhubaneswar: Nine probationary officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) belonging to the 2024 batch from the Odisha cadre, presently undergoing training at the Gopabandhu Administrative Academy, visited the Planning and Convergence Department in Bhubaneswar on Monday as part of their extended one‑year training programme.
The purpose of the visit was to provide practical administrative exposure through direct interaction with senior government officials, departmental structures, and institutional frameworks engaged in Odisha’s development planning.
Objective of the Field Visit
The programme was designed to help probationers gain a deeper understanding of:
State‑level planning mechanisms
Inter‑departmental coordination processes
Implementation strategies for development programmes
The role of convergence in effective governance delivery
Officials explained how the Planning and Convergence Department functions as a central coordinating body for the state’s development agenda.
Interaction with the Development Commissioner
During the visit, the probationers engaged in an interactive session with Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh.
He elaborated on:
Odisha’s structured planning processes
The importance of convergence across departments
Major ongoing development initiatives
The role of mineral resources in shaping the state economy
He also encouraged the young officers to make effective use of opportunities in public administration and shared insights from his tenure in the Steel and Mines Department.
Key Officials Present
The session was attended by senior officials including:
Sudhanshu Mohan Samal, Managing Director, Odisha Mining Corporation
Prakash Chandra Mohanty, Additional Chief Secretary
Pradyumna Kumar Mahakud, Additional Chief Secretary
Dr. Bijay Bhushan Nand, Director, Economics and Statistics
Dr. Monalisa Lenka, Deputy Director General, Gopabandhu Administrative Academy
Detailed presentations were delivered on departmental functioning and governance models.
Focus on Development Programmes and Governance Framework
The probationers were introduced to several flagship initiatives and governance tools, such as:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) implementation
Aspirational Districts and Blocks Programme
Saturation Mission 2.0
Western Odisha Development Council initiatives
Utilization of MLALAD and MPLAD funds
District Mineral Foundation (DMF) schemes
Odisha Mineral Bearing Areas Development Fund
These discussions highlighted how multi‑layered coordination ensures effective delivery of welfare schemes and infrastructure projects.
Economic Planning and Vision Frameworks
Officials also discussed:
Odisha’s budget formulation process
State financial planning systems
Mechanisms for welfare scheme implementation
Economic survey and statistical frameworks
A major highlight was the presentation of long‑term vision documents, including:
“Viksit Odisha @2036”
Alignment with “Viksit Bharat @2047”
“36 for 36” developmental initiatives
These frameworks aim to guide Odisha’s transformation into a developed state over the coming decades.
Training Programme and Future Posting Plan
The induction training programme for the IAS probationers will conclude on 24 April 2026.
Following completion:
Officers will proceed to Assistant Secretary‑level training in New Delhi
They will then undergo advanced training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA)
Subsequently, they will return to Odisha to assume official field responsibilities
Significance of the Training Visit
This visit forms part of Odisha’s structured approach to capacity building for young IAS officers. By gaining practical exposure to governance systems before their field postings, the probationers are expected to be better equipped to manage planning, coordination, and implementation responsibilities in their future administrative roles.
