Government officials in Odisha have been asked to undertake field duties by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja. The purpose is to enable them to acquire first hand field experience so that they understand the challenges faced during the implementation of schemes. The idea behind this exercise is to accelerate decision-making processes. It is meant for personnel who typically do not conduct field tours.

In his directive issued through letters to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries, Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs), and Collectors, Ahuja points out that exposure to ground realities enhances the effectiveness and speed of decision-making All departments have been asked to create a schedule for officials, starting from Assistant Section Officers and Section Officers, for field visits on rotation.

According to order, these officials have to shadow grassroots field workers, closely observing the execution of department-specific schemes and programs like spending a day at an Anganwadi Centre or observing the work of Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) for a day. Ahuja wants these officials to make overnight stays at the visited locations in order to deepen their understanding.

As per the release issued to the media, its objective is not to supervise or review field workers but to learn unobtrusively about their roles, assess the impact on citizens, and identify challenges, best practices, and areas for improvement. These officials are supposed to submit at least one suggestion or idea to their Department Secretary for enhancing scheme implementation.

Departments can evaluate those suggestions and amend processes, policies, or guidelines to improve service delivery. These insights will be presented by the secretary of the concerned department at All Secretaries Meetings to foster cross-departmental learning.

Ahuja has directed that the initiative should be started this month with Aspirational Districts, so that administrative decision-making comes closer to ground realities and enhances the quality of governance across Odisha.