Industry Odisha Bureau, Oct 10: Newly recruited soil conservation officers recently attended an online training programme on governance. The Directorate of Soil Conservation and Watershed Development organised the session. It was meant for Assistant Soil Conservation Officers and Assistant Directors (Soil Conservation).
The programme focused on leadership, ethical conduct and sound financial management. It sought to prepare the recruits for the demands of public service.
Dr Lalit Das, Chairman of the Odisha Subordinate Staff Selection Commission, was the key speaker. He addressed the officers on ethics and development administration. Director Subrat Panda set out the key themes for the deliberations.
Dr Das urged the recruits to make integrity the core of their work. He stressed accountability to institutions and commitment to everyday duties. Leadership, he said, means serving people with empathy and transparency. He drew heavily on his long career in public administration.
Dr Das also flagged emerging challenges facing administrators today. These include climate resilience, disaster management and sustainable waste handling. He said ethical conduct remains central to modern governance. He asked the officers to see their posts as tools for social change. Their work, he added, can drive sustainable development across Odisha.
A separate session covered financial literacy in government services. It was conducted by the Financial Advisor-cum-Special Secretary, DAFE. The session briefed officers on fiscal management for transparent, effective administration.
Together, the sessions aim to build a skilled and ethically grounded cadre. The effort seeks to groom officers ready to serve the public with distinction.

