Policy Dialogue at Utkal University:  Experts call for synergy between State & citizens

Bhubaneswar: The Policy Dialogue Series One -2024 on “Development Planning and Synergy between State and Citizens” was organised by the PG Department of Public Administration, Utkal University, in collaboration with the Bhubaneswar branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA), brought together students, research scholars, and public administration experts.

The Policy Dialogue Series One -2024 was chaired by former IAS and Chairman of IIPA (Regional Branch) Bhubaneswar Karunakar Patnaik. During the session, Patnaik emphasised on the importance of decentralised administration in the country, stating that it connects people with the government. He noted that several plans have been implemented by the government to achieve this, citing the decentralisation of administration initiated between 1966 and 1969 based on the recommendations of the 10th Finance Commission. Patnaik further highlighted the necessity of public involvement in policy decisions, stating that decentralisation in governance and administration is crucial. 

Keynote Speaker and former Development Commissioner of Odisha Dr. Rabinarayan Senapati emphasised on the need for small administrative units, such as blocks and panchayats, to facilitate government functioning. He also stressed the importance of today’s youth engaging in meaningful work to bring about societal change. Dr. Senapati mentioned the crucial need for the creation of micro-entrepreneurs and the importance of promoting such efforts at the block level.

Another keynote speaker Professor Satya Narayan Mishra, former Dean of the School of Management at KIIT, discussed continuous development goals and the role of NGOs in policymaking. He also highlighted that public policy preparation is not just an academic subject but a crucial topic of discussion in current times.

The welcome address was delivered by Head of the Public Administration Department Dr. Pratima Sarangi, while Dr. Chitra Kanungo introduced the guests, and Dr. Pratip Kumar Mishra delivered the vote of thanks. Finally, Prof. Swarnamayee Tripathy, former Head of the Department, gave the concluding remarks of the event. The seminar was coordinated by Assistant Professor of the Department Dr. Hemanta Kumar Das.