Engineers Urged to Build Long-Lasting Infrastructure

The 54th Biennial General Body Meeting-2026 of the Odisha Engineers Service Association (OESA), in collaboration with the Indian Engineers Federation, was held at the premises of the Institution of Engineers India.

Addressing the inaugural session, chief guest Rabinarayan Naik, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, emphasized the need to build infrastructure that can last for over 200 years. He cited iconic structures like the Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple as examples of India’s engineering excellence, urging modern engineers to match such standards in building a “Vikashit Odisha–Vikashit Bharat.”

Call for Skill Development and Policy Reforms

Guest of honour Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister for Works, Law and Excise, highlighted the crucial role of engineers in achieving a developed Odisha by 2036. He encouraged engineers to strive for global excellence.

He also revealed that the government is considering key reforms such as a State Road Maintenance Policy, mandatory training programs for government engineers, and exposure visits to developed countries. Additionally, he suggested that OESA should establish a modern technical training centre.

During the event, the association’s biennial magazine “Techno Voice” was officially launched by the dignitaries.

Key Demands Raised by Engineers

The association put forward several demands aimed at strengthening the engineering workforce in the state. These included:

• Appointment of engineers to head all engineering departments
• Allocation of at least 10% of engineers in Level-16 and 17 under the 7th Pay Commission
• Regular recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers through the Odisha Public Service Commission
• Increase in direct recruitment quota from 66% to 75%
• Implementation of a transparent transfer policy
• Restructuring and promotion of Panchayati Raj engineering cadre
• Incentives for higher qualifications and special pay for complex assignments
• Inclusion of OESA in policy decision-making processes

These demands were presented by Working President Er. Abinash Roul, General Secretary Er. Trinath Behera, and Treasurer Er. Prafulla Kumar Behera, and submitted to the Chief Minister through the attending ministers.

New Office Bearers Elected

The second session of the meeting focused on internal matters, including discussions on challenges faced by engineers and the election of new office bearers.

Er. Ananta Kumar Mohanty (Water Resources Department) was elected as President, Er. Rajendra Kumar Sethi (Housing and Urban Development Department) as General Secretary, and Er. Abhisek Swain (Works Department) as Treasurer. Elections for other posts were also conducted successfully.

Strong Participation from Across Odisha

The event witnessed the participation of hundreds of graduate engineers from departments including Water Resources, Works, Housing and Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from the engineering community to contribute towards infrastructure development and the vision of a developed Odisha.