Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati on Tuesday urged probationary officers to acquire a thorough understanding of government welfare schemes and ensure their effective implementation for the benefit of citizens.
Interacting with Odisha Finance Service (OFS) and Odisha Taxation and Accounts Service (OT&AS) probationers of the 2023 batch from the Madhusudan Das Regional Academy of Financial Management (MDRAFM) at New Abhishek Hall in Lok Bhavan, the Governor stressed the importance of combining policy knowledge with an understanding of ground realities.
He advised the trainee officers to study flagship welfare programmes such as the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Mukhya Mantri Krushi Udyog Yojana and Mukhya Mantri Kamadhenu Yojana in detail, stating that sound knowledge of these schemes is essential for effective public service delivery and ensuring benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
Kambhampati also encouraged eligible officers to enrol in social security schemes and urged them to remain responsive to emerging economic challenges facing the country, including foreign exchange pressures arising from dependence on energy imports.
Highlighting the impact of geopolitical tensions in West Asia on crude oil imports and foreign exchange reserves, the Governor noted that India spends substantial foreign exchange on importing crude oil. He said even small behavioural changes among citizens can contribute to reducing economic pressure.
Calling for reduced dependence on petrol and diesel, he advocated a gradual transition to electric vehicles and pointed out that the Governor’s official convoy has been using electric vehicles for nearly a year. He added that the growth of electric mobility should be complemented by clean energy generation, citing the PM Surya Ghar scheme and the potential of rooftop solar systems to support EV charging.
The Governor also suggested moderation in certain discretionary expenditures, saying that postponing gold purchases and reducing foreign travel for some time could help ease pressure on foreign exchange reserves. He further referred to reduced edible oil consumption as part of broader efforts to support economic stability.
During the session, Kambhampati interacted individually with the probationary officers. MDRAFM Director Santosh Kumar Suar briefed the Governor on the training programmes being imparted to the probationers.