RAIPUR,CG,BHARAT: Finance Minister of Chhattisgarh, O.P. Chaudhary, on Thursday called for reforms in bureaucracy, including higher salaries for top bureaucrats to eliminate need-based corruption, and stressed the importance of adopting good practices across states and districts.

"Good governance is essential for growth, and bureaucracy must overcome red-tapism," he said.

He was addressing the inaugural address of the two-day Regional Conference on "Good Governance" at Hotel Fairway, Nava Raipur Atal Nagar. Organized by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG) in collaboration with the Chhattisgarh Government, the conference highlights innovative practices for governance improvement.

He emphasized India's status as the fastest-growing economy with immense developmental opportunities. He noted that India's $3 trillion economy could expand to $55 trillion by 2047, with bureaucracy playing a pivotal role in achieving this.

Chief Secretary Amitabh Jain underlined the significance of beneficiary experience in evaluating governance quality. He cited Nava Raipur as an example of innovation, noting no displacements during its development. Additional Secretary of DARPG Puneet Yadav highlighted the conference's goal of realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of empowering citizens through good governance.

Session 1 was chaired by S.N. Tripathi (Director General, IIPA), topics included solar-powered water schemes (Anurag Srivastav, Jal Jeevan Mission, UP), rural industrial complexes (Keerthi Vasan, Koraput, Odisha), Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme (Thavaseelam, Nagaland), and Cyber Tehsil (Alka, Madhya Pradesh).

Session 2 focused on women leadership in district administration, chaired by Richa Sharma (Additional Chief Secretary, Chhattisgarh). Speakers included Monika Rani (Baharaich, UP), Durga Nagpal (Banda, UP), and Namrata Gandhi (Dhamtari, Chhattisgarh).

Session 3 addressed holistic district development, chaired by Niharika Barik (Principal Secretary, Rural Development, Chhattisgarh).

Day 2 Agenda and session 4 will be on saturation approach in district development, chaired by Rajat Kumar (Secretary, Commerce and Industries, Chhattisgarh).

Session 5 is on holistic district development, chaired by Ankit Anand (Secretary, Housing and Environment, Chhattisgarh).

The closing ceremony will feature Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. An e-booklet on National e-Governance Awards-2024 initiatives will also be released.

With 150 delegates and 30 best practices showcased, the conference aims to promote innovation, e-governance, and holistic development across districts.