The Odisha Government has tightened rules on the engagement of consultants, Project Management Units (PMUs), and Technical Support Units (TSUs), introducing a five-year cap on their tenure in any department.
According to fresh guidelines issued by the Finance Department, no consultant or personnel engaged under PMU/TSU will be allowed to continue beyond five years. Every contract must include a mandatory “sunset clause” to prevent external agencies from establishing a permanent presence in government offices.
The move aims to strengthen institutional capacity, reduce reliance on outside consultants, and build in-house expertise. Departments have been instructed to deploy regular government employees alongside consultants in every PMU and TSU. Depending on the size of the unit, between two and six officers must be attached exclusively to project-related activities.
Officials clarified that the engagement of consultants and similar entities will not result in the creation of new government posts. The guidelines follow concerns that indiscriminate hiring of consultants had led to under-utilisation of in-house talent and excessive dependence on external agencies.
Compliance will be monitored at the state level by Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, or Joint Secretaries, and at the district level by Additional District Magistrates, Sub‑Collectors, or BDOs.
