Bhubaneswar: A workshop titled “Reimagining Capacity Building for Grassroots Governance” was organised in the capital today as part of the nationwide ‘Sadhana Saptah’ campaign being observed from April 2 to April 8, 2026.
The workshop held at Krushi Bhavan brought together stakeholders to discuss ways to strengthen governance at the grassroots level through technology, traditional practices and outcome-based approaches. The programme was jointly organised by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC), Department of Personnel and Training, Karmayogi Bharat and the Odisha government.
Addressing the event as chief guest, Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said that strong panchayats are the foundation of inclusive and sustainable development. He emphasised the need for continuous and skill-based training systems to empower Panchayati Raj representatives and expressed commitment to bringing transformative changes at the grassroots level with the support of trained and dedicated officials.
Dr R. Balasubramaniam, Member (HR) of the Capacity Building Commission, highlighted the vision of Mission Karmayogi and the role of CBC in enhancing capacity building across government systems. He stressed the importance of shifting governance from a rule-based to a role-based approach, with a focus on citizen-centric service delivery.
Other dignitaries present at the workshop included Rajesh Kumar Singh, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India; Girish S.N., Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department; and Madhusmita Samal, Director of SIRD, along with other officials.
The workshop also focused on the ‘Vikshit Panchayat Karmayogi’ initiative. On the occasion, an AI-based ‘Vikshit Panchayat’ WhatsApp chatbot and a dedicated e-learning module for Panchayati Raj functionaries were launched. These tools will be available through the iGOT Karmayogi platform and are expected to support grassroots representatives with technical knowledge and quick problem-solving.
As part of the initiative, gram panchayats in Baipariguda block of Koraput district and Thakurmunda block of Mayurbhanj district have been selected as pilot areas in Odisha. The pilot project, being implemented across 60 panchayats in the country, aims to promote digital learning, active participation in Gram Sabhas and the preparation of development plans based on local needs.
Participants at the workshop underscored the importance of strengthening panchayats as a key step towards achieving the vision of a developed Odisha and a developed India.
