Post by Centre for Social and Economic Progress

Centre for Social and Economic Progress (CSEP) launched a working paper, "Drivers of Primary Healthcare and Elementary Education Initiatives in Odisha (2014–2024)", authored by Priyadarshini Singh, PhD, Fellow and Anoushka Gupta, Research Associate at a State Roundtable in Bhubaneswar, co-organised with the CENTRE FOR YOUTH & SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (CYSD). The convening brought together a distinguished cross-section of stakeholders working to strengthen urban primary healthcare and elementary education in Odisha, including    - Jugal Mohapatra, Former Chief Secretary Odisha, current Chairperson, Committee on Administrative & Governance Reforms   - Satya Priya Rath Director-cum-Additional Secretary, Finance Department   Representatives from finance, health, education departments and urban development initiative such as Jaga Mission, Government of Odisha were present. Leaders from prominent civil society organisations, academia, philanthropic donors, research organisations and doctors' and teachers' associations were present at the convening.  As Odisha's cities grow, there is a valuable opportunity to place health and education at the very centre of the state's urban growth story. A holistic urban development agenda, one that treats high-quality government schools and health centres as core public goods, alongside infrastructure and essential services, can strengthen household financial security and build the healthy, skilled workforce that sustains long-term growth. With the 16th Finance Commission's focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and dedicated funding for urban local bodies, this is a timely moment for Odisha to lead the way in reimagining urban development in India.  CSEP is deeply grateful to every participant for their candour, expertise, and generosity in shaping this forward-looking conversation. Discussions of this kind - bringing government, civil society, and academia to the same table - are essential to building a shared agenda for Odisha's growing cities, and CSEP looks forward to carrying this dialogue forward with partners. Our sincere thanks to Jagadananda J, Mentor and Co-Founder, CYSD for his support and leadership in convening this important discussion. Read the working paper here: https://lnkd.in/gbzUsPYB This paper is part of a three state study on the drivers of urban health and education iniatives led by Priyadarshini Singh, PhD. Read the papers on the other two states- Rajasthan and Karnataka, authored by Priyadarshini Singh on the CSEP website. #urbanprimaryhealth #16thfinancecommission #urbanlocalgovernance #urbanschools #urbandevelopment