THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 8, 2026

In a significant step towards strengthening citizen-centric urban governance, the Odisha Government's Housing & Urban Development Department will roll out a statewide ‘Saharanchala Janasamparka O Nagarika Bhagidari Karyakrama’ (Urban Citizen Outreach and Civic Participation Campaign) across all Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) from June 9 to June 21.

The 13-day campaign is aimed at bringing urban governance closer to people by creating greater awareness about civic services, government schemes and citizen responsibilities while providing a robust platform for direct engagement between urban residents and local authorities. The initiative seeks to foster participatory governance and strengthen collaboration between citizens and urban institutions in building cleaner, more inclusive and sustainable cities.

Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said active citizen participation is crucial for the success of urban transformation initiatives. He emphasized that the state government is committed to developing modern, resilient and people-centric cities that respond effectively to the aspirations and needs of residents. The Minister noted that the campaign would help bridge the gap between citizens and urban institutions, making government services more accessible, transparent and accountable. Under the leadership of Mohan Charan Majhi, the government is working towards creating cities where every citizen becomes an active partner in development, he added.

The campaign will be implemented across all ULBs through a series of citizen-focused activities, including awareness rallies, ward-level meetings, public consultations, Swachhata drives, community engagement programmes and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) initiatives. Special emphasis will be placed on sanitation, waste management, water conservation, environmental sustainability and civic responsibility.

A major highlight of the programme will be the organisation of Citizen Service Delivery Camps and outreach activities designed to facilitate easier access to municipal services and urban welfare schemes. Citizens will receive information and assistance related to property tax, water supply connections, trade licences, building plan approvals, housing schemes and other public services. Dedicated help desks and grievance redressal mechanisms will also be established to ensure prompt resolution of citizen concerns.

The campaign will actively encourage participation from Self Help Groups, Resident Welfare Associations, youth organisations, market associations and other community-based institutions, creating a broad platform for civic engagement and collaborative urban development.

Designed around a diverse range of urban governance themes, the campaign calendar will cover citizen services, sanitation and waste management, water conservation, environmental sustainability, public health awareness, women’s participation, youth engagement and community-led development. Through extensive outreach activities, field-level interactions and public consultations, the initiative aims to cultivate a stronger sense of civic ownership and inspire residents to contribute actively towards the development and upkeep of vibrant urban communities.

Housing & Urban Development Department Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee underscored that citizen engagement remains the cornerstone of effective urban governance. She said the campaign has been designed as a comprehensive platform for meaningful interaction between citizens and urban institutions, enhancing awareness about civic services and government initiatives while encouraging communities to take greater ownership of their urban spaces. She further noted that the initiative would provide valuable citizen feedback to Urban Local Bodies, helping improve service delivery and governance outcomes.

The campaign will culminate in citizen feedback sessions and public interactions aimed at identifying local priorities, strengthening community participation and exploring opportunities for improving urban services. The Housing & Urban Development Department expects the initiative to significantly reinforce the bond between citizens and local governments, further advancing Odisha’s vision of transparent, inclusive and participatory urban governance.