The second day of the two-day Good Governance Conference in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, focused on key themes including citizen empowerment, improving access to civil services through e-platforms, women's leadership, best practices by the Chhattisgarh government, and a saturation approach to holistic development.

Inauguration by Finance Minister OP Chaudhary

The conference was inaugurated by Chhattisgarh Finance Minister OP Chaudhary, who, in his address, emphasized the critical role of good governance in fostering development and improving citizens' lives.

Highlighting significant transformations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's initiatives, Chaudhary spoke about the impact of flagship programs such as:

• Swachh Bharat Mission
• Jal Jeevan Mission
• Goods and Services Tax (GST)
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM) Portal
• Digital Inclusion

The minister underlined the importance of bureaucracy in achieving India’s vision of becoming a $55 trillion economy by 2047. He urged participating officials from various states to adapt to evolving governance challenges without compromising their talents and individuality. Chaudhary remarked, "Only those who evolve with time will remain relevant."

Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain: Good Intent is the Key to Success

Addressing the inaugural session, Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain stressed that the ultimate measure of good governance is its ability to bring smiles to people's faces.

Jain highlighted that delivering schemes and programs effectively to their intended beneficiaries requires good intent as the foundation of governance.

Using examples from Chhattisgarh, Jain cited innovations such as:

• The formation of various development authorities in the state.
• Construction of infrastructure projects like the Canal Linking Road and Expressways in Raipur.
• Welfare initiatives tailored to meet regional and local needs.

Key Takeaways

The conference provided a platform for sharing innovative ideas and best practices in governance, with an emphasis on:

• Leveraging technology for seamless service delivery.
• Empowering citizens through inclusive policies.
• Adopting region-specific approaches to ensure welfare programs address local needs effectively.

The event underscored the importance of adaptable governance models and collaborative efforts among states to achieve sustainable development and citizen satisfaction.