THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, OCTOBER 10, 2026

Director of Information and Public Relations (I&PR), Odisha, Sanjay Kumar Biswal, on Saturday underscored the importance of the Odisha Information Service Association (OISA) in promoting professional growth and collective development among Odisha Information Service (OIS) officers, assuring that the state government would extend necessary support towards strengthening the cadre to enhance the effectiveness of public service delivery.

Addressing the annual function of the Odisha Information Service Association (OISA) at Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan here, Biswal emphasised the need to strengthen the service and foster professional excellence among officers serving in subdivisions, districts, RDC headquarters and the state headquarters across various ministries and departments of the Odisha government.

The annual function featured a seminar on “Public Relations in the Digital Age: Changing Responsibilities, Emerging Challenges and New Opportunities for Public Relations Officers”, focusing on the evolving communication landscape and the growing responsibilities of public relations professionals in the digital era.

Ashok Kumar Beuria, Additional Secretary in the I&PR Department, attended the programme as the Guest of Honour, while Prof. Anand Pradhan, Regional Director of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Dhenkanal, was the chief speaker.

Delivering the keynote address, Pradhan highlighted the increasing significance of digital media, timely and credible information dissemination, effective media engagement and people-centric communication in contemporary public relations.

He stressed the need for Public Relations Officers (PROs) to adapt to emerging technologies, counter misinformation, upgrade their professional skills and adopt innovative communication strategies to strengthen public trust and improve communication between the government and the people.

The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp in the presence of OISA President Sucheta Priyadarshini, General Secretary Pathani Rout, Advisor Santosh Kumar Das, Vice-President Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak, Joint Secretary Deepak Kumar Sahoo, other office-bearers and members of the association's working committee.

Retired OIS officers who had served the department in various capacities were felicitated in recognition of their contributions. They shared their experiences and insights from their years of service, highlighting the importance of professional commitment, dedication and institutional experience in public service.

The annual general body meeting deliberated on cadre-related issues, professional development and measures to strengthen the association. The general body unanimously resolved to pursue cadre strengthening, timely promotional opportunities, capacity building and regular training for officers through sustained follow-up with the department.

The resolutions aim to promote professional excellence, ensure career progression and improve the delivery of public services through a better-equipped and professionally strengthened information service cadre.

The association also expressed gratitude to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi for releasing its souvenir, Loka Sampark, on October 9. The souvenir was released during an orientation programme for OIS officers on “Emerging Trends in Social Media”, organised by the I&PR Department, Government of Odisha, a day before the annual function.

The event also featured poetry recitation, mimicry and other cultural activities, providing serving and retired officers a platform to showcase their literary and creative talents. The performances added vibrancy to the gathering and fostered camaraderie and fellowship among members of the service.