In a significant move to streamline developmental works, the Odisha government has enhanced the financial and administrative powers of officials under the Odisha Panchayat Samiti Accounting Procedure Rules, 2002. The decision, approved by the state Cabinet, aims to cope with the increased flow of funds and rising project volumes at the Panchayat Samiti level.
Block Development Officers (BDOs) can now pass bills for Panchayat Samiti works up to ₹10.00 lakh, a fivefold increase from the previous limit of ₹2.00 lakh, without requiring the countersignature of the Panchayat Samiti Chairman. Additionally, the authority for administrative approval of plans and estimates has been delegated to the CDO-cum-EO, Zilla Parishad, to expedite financial approvals and ensure smooth implementation of developmental schemes.
The Cabinet decision also boosts the financial powers of officers for both technical sanction and administrative approval of developmental works. For general developmental schemes (except MGNREGA), Junior/Assistant Engineers can now sanction projects up to ₹5 lakh, Assistant Executive Engineers up to ₹20 lakh, Executive Engineers up to ₹1 crore, Superintending Engineers up to ₹4 crore, and projects above ₹4 crore will be sanctioned by the Chief Engineer. Under the MGNREGA scheme, Junior/Assistant Engineers/Gram Panchayat Technical Assistants can sanction up to ₹5 lakh, Assistant Executive Engineers up to ₹20 lakh, and higher limits follow the same hierarchy up to the Chief Engineer for projects exceeding ₹4 crore.
Administratively, Block Development Officers can now approve projects up to ₹20 lakh, Panchayat Samiti Chairmen up to ₹50 lakh, and CDO-cum-EOs of Zilla Parishads can handle projects above ₹50 lakh for general schemes. For MGNREGA, BDOs can approve up to ₹20 lakh, Panchayat Samiti Chairmen up to ₹50 lakh, and Collectors will oversee projects exceeding ₹50 lakh.
These amendments are expected to expedite bill processing, ensure timely approvals, and facilitate the smooth implementation of developmental programs across all Panchayat Samitis, while retaining supervisory oversight by the Chairman.
