The 54th Biennial General Council Meeting of the Odisha Engineers Service Association (OESA), along with the Biennial Conference of the Indian Engineers Federation, was held in Bhubaneswar, bringing together engineers from across the state to deliberate on development, policy, and professional advancement.

Call for Long-Lasting Infrastructure

Addressing the inaugural session, chief guest Rabinarayan Naik, Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, emphasized the need for durable infrastructure that can stand the test of time. He urged engineers to aim for structures with a lifespan of over 200 years, aligning with the vision of a “Vikashit Odisha, Vikashit Bharat.”

Citing iconic structures like the Konark Sun Temple and Jagannath Temple, he questioned why modern engineering cannot replicate such longevity, calling for innovation and commitment in public infrastructure projects.

Government Focus on Skill Development and Policy Reform

Guest of honour Prithviraj Harichandan, Minister for Works, Law and Excise, highlighted the critical role of engineers in achieving a developed Odisha by 2036. He encouraged engineers to strive for global excellence and assured that the government is considering several initiatives to strengthen the engineering workforce.

These include:

• Formulation of a State Road Maintenance Policy
• Mandatory training programs for government engineers
• Exposure visits to developed countries
• Establishment of a modern technical training centre by the association

Launch of ‘Techno Voice’ Magazine

During the event, the association’s biennial magazine “Techno Voice” was officially launched by the dignitaries, showcasing technical insights and contributions from engineering professionals.

Key Demands Raised by OESA

The association leaders presented a series of demands aimed at improving service conditions and career growth for engineers. These included:

• Leadership roles for engineers across all engineering departments
• Allocation of at least 10% of engineers in Level-16 and 17 under the 7th Pay Commission
• Annual recruitment of Assistant Executive Engineers through the Odisha Public Service Commission, with an increase in direct recruitment quota from 66% to 75%
• Implementation of a uniform transfer policy
• Cadre restructuring and promotion for Panchayati Raj engineers
• Incentives for higher qualifications and special pay for complex assignments
• Inclusion of OESA in policymaking related to service conditions

The demands were submitted to the Chief Minister through the attending ministers.

New Office Bearers Elected

The second session of the meeting focused on internal discussions and elections of new office bearers.

• Er. Ananta Kumar Mohanty was elected as President
• Er. Rajendra Kumar Sethi as General Secretary
• Er. Abhisek Swain as Treasurer

Elections for other posts were also conducted during the session.

Wide Participation Across Departments

The event witnessed participation from hundreds of graduate engineers representing key departments such as Water Resources, Works, Housing and Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, and Drinking Water, reflecting strong engagement from the engineering community across Odisha.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment from engineers and policymakers to work collaboratively toward building a robust and future-ready infrastructure ecosystem in the state.

A high-level preparatory meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary to discuss the arrangements for the 78th Bhubaneswar Foundation Day celebrations. The event will be observed over two days, on April 13 and 14, with multiple cultural and ceremonial programs planned across the city.

Two-Day Celebration with Cultural Programs

The foundation day will be celebrated on April 13 as a standalone event, while April 14 will be observed in coordination with the state government’s “Odia Pakhya” initiative. Evening cultural programs will be held on both days at Utkal Mandap, showcasing Odisha’s heritage, culture, and development.

Ceremonial Events and Parade

On April 13 morning, floral tributes will be offered at the foundation plaque near PMG Square, followed by the hoisting of the foundation day flag by the chief guest. A special civil parade will also be conducted from Rabindra Mandap to Jaydev Bhawan.

Additionally, a photo exhibition highlighting the history and glory of Bhubaneswar will be organized by the Information and Public Relations Department at Jaydev Bhawan.

Evening Awards and Cultural Showcase

The evening session on April 13 will feature the presentation of the “Rajdhani Gaurav Samman”, along with awards for winners of various competitions. The event will also include vibrant cultural performances organized by the Department of Odia Language, Literature and Culture.

Safety and Arrangements for Participants

In view of the rising heat, officials have been instructed to complete morning programs on time and ensure adequate arrangements such as drinking water, ORS, and other essential facilities for participants, especially students.

Extensive City-Wide Preparations

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will take up beautification and cleaning work around the foundation plaque area. Preparations include flower decorations, reactivation of fountains, installation of welcome arches, lighting arrangements, and improved traffic management.

Important government buildings, commercial establishments, and public spaces will be illuminated to mark the occasion. Authorities have also been directed to ensure smooth traffic control, security arrangements, health services, and emergency preparedness.

Coordination Among Departments

The meeting saw participation from senior officials across various departments, including development, sports, education, tourism, and public relations, along with representatives from the police, fire services, and other agencies. Discussions focused on ensuring smooth coordination for the successful and grand celebration of the foundation day.

In a major anti-corruption crackdown, the Odisha Vigilance Department conducted simultaneous raids on properties linked to Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Panchu Behera, posted in the Dahi Irrigation Sub-Division under Bhanjanagar Irrigation Division in Ganjam district. The action was initiated following allegations of possession of assets disproportionate to his known sources of income.

Simultaneous Raids at Multiple Locations

Vigilance teams carried out searches at five locations early this morning, including Behera’s residential houses and official office premises. The coordinated operation involved three DSP-rank officers and seven inspectors.

Cash and Valuable Assets Seized

According to Vigilance sources, cash worth ₹18.90 lakh has been seized so far. This includes:

• ₹15.13 lakh from his residence in Berhampur
• ₹3.72 lakh from his government quarters in Bhanjanagar

In addition to cash, officials recovered:

• A construction mixer machine valued at approximately ₹57 lakh
• A JCB machine worth around ₹37 lakh

Immovable Properties Under Scanner

The raid also led to the detection of several high-value immovable assets, including:

• A multi-storey building in Berhampur
• Five valuable land plots in and around the city
• A three-storey residential building spread over 3,550 sq. ft. in Basant Vihar

A technical team is currently assessing the total value of these properties.

Vehicles, Bank Deposits, and Gold

Investigators have also identified:

• One four-wheeler and three two-wheelers registered in Behera’s name
• Deposits in multiple banks and post offices
• Gold ornaments and jewellery, the valuation of which is still underway

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Vigilance Intensifies Anti-Corruption Drive

The crackdown comes amid an intensified anti-corruption campaign by the Odisha Vigilance Department.

As per official data:

• 683 corruption cases were registered between January 2023 and December 2025
• 337 cases resulted in convictions
• Properties of 6 corrupt officials have been confiscated by the government

These confiscated assets are being repurposed for public welfare, including:

• A government horticulture nursery
• A public homeopathic dispensary
• Three Anganwadi centres
• A working women’s hostel
• A sub-post office

Recovery of Crores from Officials

In total, assets worth ₹40.84 crore have been seized from 22 government officials and employees. Additionally, ₹32.50 lakh in cash has been deposited into the state treasury.

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi had earlier informed the State Assembly about these figures, underlining the government’s firm stance against corruption.

Investigation Continues

The Vigilance Department has stated that further investigation is underway to ascertain the full extent of disproportionate assets linked to the SDO. More disclosures are expected as valuation and verification processes continue.