In a significant move to curb the unchecked hiring of external consultants, the Odisha Finance Department has issued a directive aimed at reducing dependency on external expertise and promoting the use of in-house skills among government employees.
The decision, detailed in a memorandum signed by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, addresses concerns over the underutilization of government employees’ capabilities and the excessive reliance on consultants for policy reforms and project management.
The directive highlights that several state government departments and their subordinate organisations have been hiring consultants, including Project Management Units (PMUs) and Technical Support Units (TSUs), without adequate oversight. This practice has led to a situation where the internal expertise of government employees remains untapped, fostering an over-dependence on external consultants. The Finance Department has reiterated the need to adhere to previous guidelines issued by the former Chief Secretary to streamline consultant engagement.
To address this issue, the state government has mandated that all departments evaluate their need for consultants and their subordinate organisations. By April 1, 2026, departments must submit proposals to the Finance Department, specifying the number of consultants required. These proposals will be reviewed by a high-level committee chaired by the Chief Secretary, with members including the Development Commissioner, the Secretary of the General Administration Department, the Secretary of the Finance Department, and the Secretary of the concerned department. This committee will determine the optimal number of consultants for each department and its subordinate bodies.
In a bold step, the Finance Department has declared that no payments will be made to consultants—regardless of their designation or role—after April 1, 2026, without the committee’s approval. This measure underscores the government’s commitment to fostering a collaborative environment where the skills and experience of government employees are prioritised and enhanced.
The directive is seen as a step towards greater efficiency and accountability in governance, ensuring that public resources are utilised effectively while empowering the state’s workforce to take on critical responsibilities.
