Seminar
CAG-ICSSR Colloquium on State of the Finances of Odisha and Storm Water Drainage and Sewerage Management Systems in Municipal Corporations
Venue: Convocation Hall (Dikshyanta Bhavan), Utkal University, Vani Vihar campus, Bhubaneswar, Odisha
Date: 13 July, 2026
The ICSSR–CAG Colloquium, Odisha Chapter, held at Utkal University, Bhubaneswar on 13 July 2026, brought together nearly 700 students, researchers, academicians, policymakers and audit professionals for insightful deliberations on State Finances of Odisha and Storm Water Drainage & Sewerage Management Systems in Municipal Corporations.
The programme commenced with the welcome address by Shri Subu R., Principal Accountant General (Audit-I), Odisha, who highlighted the significance of the ICSSR-CAG partnership in strengthening research-driven governance. Delivering the Opening remarks, Prof. Dhananjay Singh, Member Secretary, ICSSR, emphasised Odisha's pivotal role in India's journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047, particularly in disaster management, inclusive growth and public welfare. He highlighted ICSSR's initiative to create an informed awareness in students about CAG reports as important research data, enabling researchers to generate evidence-based policy insights and reinforcing the synergy between research, auditing and policymaking.
Shri K. P. Anand, Director General of Audit (Central), IA&AS (Eastern Region), highlighted the constitutional mandate of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India in ensuring transparency, accountability and sound public financial management. In his Special Address, Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda, Vice-Chancellor, Utkal University, stressed the importance of collaboration among academia, government and civil society to advance sustainable development and climate resilience.
Dr. Amarendra Das, Associate Professor, NISER, traced Odisha's fiscal journey from 1936 to the present, highlighting the State's remarkable transformation through fiscal discipline, improved revenue mobilisation and quality public expenditure, demonstrating how sound fiscal governance can drive long-term economic growth.
Shri Atul Prakash, Accountant General (Audit-II), Odisha, and Prof. Mitali Chinara, presented key findings from the performance audit covering Odisha's five municipal corporations, and examined challenges such as waterlogging, untreated sewage and encroachment of natural drainage channels, while showcasing innovative audit methodologies including satellite imagery, aerial surveys and QR code-based field verification.
The colloquium concluded with the announcement of the CAG–ICSSR Research Article Competition, encouraging students and young researchers to contribute innovative, evidence-based research for strengthening governance and public accountability.
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