Bhubaneswar, Odisha: In a landmark move highlighting women empowerment, the Odisha government has become the first state in India to send all promoted women officers from the Odisha Civil Service to post-recruitment training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNA), Mussoorie. Six women IAS officers from the 2014 and 2015 batches recently returned to Odisha after successfully completing the 128th induction training program.
Courtesy Call on Chief Secretary Anu Garg
Upon their return, the officers paid a courtesy visit to Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. During the meeting, the Chief Secretary congratulated the officers for their outstanding performance, noting that Odisha gained recognition at the national level for their presentations on skill development programs and the “Bharat Darpan” study tour. The officers’ achievements were celebrated as a moment of pride for the state and a testament to Odisha’s commitment to women’s participation in governance.
Officers Who Completed the Training
The six officers who successfully completed the LBSNA training are:
- Aradhana Das
- Lily Kumari Kulu
- Nivedita Mishra
- Jugaleshwari Dash
- Rega Gitarani Patnaik
- Swayamprabha Mohanty
These officers actively participated in skill development programs, case study presentations, group activities, cultural programs, and peer learning initiatives, representing Odisha with distinction.
Odisha Sets Benchmark in Women Empowerment
Notably, this time, Odisha sent only women officers for post-employment training, whereas the training program also included 83 officers (both male and female) from various states. The decision has been hailed as an important step towards women empowerment, ensuring increased visibility and leadership opportunities for women in public administration.
Special Recognition for IAS Officers
Among the officers, Swayamprabha Mohanty was recognized as the best performer at the global level for her case study presentations on women empowerment initiatives in Odisha, including the Janakalyankari program ‘Subhadra’, maternal and child healthcare, and nutrition programs.
Similarly, Aradhana Das earned accolades for her best performer award in the group presentation on the “Bharat Darpan” study tour, showcasing India’s rich history, culture, traditions, and development efforts.
Cultural Excellence and National Recognition
Apart from professional achievements, the officers also participated in cultural programs at LBSNA, where they displayed Odisha’s vibrant art and cultural heritage, receiving widespread appreciation. During the training, the officers also had the honor of paying a courtesy visit to the President of India, Draupadi Murmu, in New Delhi, further highlighting their exemplary representation of Odisha at the national stage.
Odisha’s Initiative Inspires Other States
By focusing on the training and development of women officers, Odisha has set a new benchmark in civil service administration. This initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to fostering gender equality, professional excellence, and cultural pride, making Odisha a role model for other states in India.
