Bhubaneswar,  :   The State Urban Development Agency (SUDA) hosted a Refresher Training Programme on *”Urban Governance”* for Community Organisers, MIS professionals/Consultants, and Accountants representing all 115 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Odisha. This training is a key initiative under the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department’s commitment to strengthening urban governance and building capacity at the grassroots level.

Addressing the participants, Principal Secretary, H&UD, Smt. Ushapadhee emphasized the pivotal role of collective efforts and dedication in achieving the vision of Viksit Odisha @ 2036 and Viksit Bharat @ 2047. She stressed that the progress of urban Odisha lies in the effective implementation of governance reforms, innovative approaches to service delivery, and fostering citizen-centric initiatives.

Smt. Ushapadhee commended the role of community organizers and technical professionals in ensuring the efficient functioning of ULBs. She encouraged participants to actively contribute to improving urban infrastructure, enhancing transparency, and ensuring inclusive growth across cities and towns in Odisha.

The program included sessions on best practices in urban governance, effective use of management information systems (MIS), financial management, and community participation strategies. It aims to equip urban professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge to address the dynamic challenges of urban development and contribute to sustainable growth.

This initiative aligns with the state government’s overarching goals of empowering ULBs to become self-reliant and ensuring a high quality of life for all urban residents. The department remains committed to driving innovation, efficiency, and accountability in urban governance as a cornerstone of Odisha’s development trajectory.