Usha Padhee

Usha Padhee is currently the Principal Secretary, Skill Development & Technical Education Department, Government of Odisha with additional charge of Principal Secretary, Commerce & Transport Department. An IAS officer of 1996 batch, she boasts a diverse professional journey as a passionate administrator spanning 23 years and has held various pivotal roles in the State and Central Government. She holds a MPA from University of Birmingham, UK. Her career spans from heading a Sub-Division in tribal dominated District of Odisha to playing a very critical role in democratizing aviation through UDAN. Her ability to strategically lead, negotiate, and network with stakeholders at the national and international levels reflects her proficiency in policymaking. Her extensive knowledge extends across a spectrum of sectors from aviation to school education. Usha Padhee’ s unique blend of hands-on experience in the field and her contributions to policy-making places her in a distinguished position, marked by a profound understanding of developmental issues. From being recognized as Grade-A District Collector by Govt. of Odisha (2003-2004) to being the recipient of the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Administration in 2020, demonstrates her ability to navigate the complexities of governance, policy, and international collaboration.