THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 9, 2026
In a strong message signalling a decisive shift towards accountability
and public trust, newly appointed Additional Chief Secretary of Odisha’s
Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee, has laid
out a clear roadmap for responsible, transparent, and citizen-oriented revenue
administration across the state.
Soon after taking charge, Dr. Padhee addressed all officers and employees
of the department — from the state headquarters to district and tehsil levels —
calling upon them to uphold the core values of integrity, professionalism, and
sensitivity in every aspect of public service. Stressing that public confidence
in the administration must be earned through action, he urged officials to
adopt swift, solution-driven approaches to grievance redressal and service
delivery.
Placing strong emphasis on good governance through innovation, Dr. Padhee
underlined the extensive use of technology to improve efficiency, transparency,
and accessibility in revenue administration. He made it clear that discipline,
courteous behaviour towards citizens, and adherence to ethical standards were
non-negotiable pillars of governance.
Adopting an uncompromising stance on corruption, the senior bureaucrat
reiterated a policy of zero tolerance, warning that strict and exemplary action
would be initiated not only against corrupt officials but also against those
who facilitate or protect corrupt practices. At the same time, he assured that
officers demonstrating honesty, dedication, and exceptional performance would
be duly recognised and rewarded.
Dr. Padhee also highlighted the critical responsibility of safeguarding
government land, including land belonging to Lord Jagannath, calling for
heightened vigilance and accountability to prevent encroachment or misuse. He
further stressed the importance of promoting the Odia language in official
government work, reinforcing cultural pride while ensuring effective
communication with citizens.
In a symbolic yet meaningful gesture towards Odisha’s cultural heritage, Dr. Padhee encouraged all officers and staff to wear handloom attire every Friday, underscoring respect for the state’s rich handloom tradition and the artisans who sustain it.
Demonstrating a hands-on approach to governance, the Additional Chief Secretary expressed his commitment to regular field visits, surprise inspections, and direct interaction with both officials and the public. He noted that understanding ground realities through firsthand engagement would be key to reforming systems, improving efficiency, and restoring citizens’ faith in the revenue administration.
