In a move to accelerate the state’s growth trajectory and ensure swift administrative action, Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg chaired a crucial secretary-level meeting today at Kharavela Bhawan.
The comprehensive review focused on recent developmental milestones, budget expenditure, post-cyclone restoration, and the digital transformation of public services.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, along with Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Secretaries of various departments, attended the meeting to chart the course for the state’s upcoming financial and administrative goals.
Expediting Cyclone Relief and Celebrating Milestones
Setting a proactive tone, the Chief Secretary reviewed the ongoing relief and restoration works in the aftermath of Cyclone ‘Arnab’ and the resulting floods in the Ganjam district. She directed all concerned departments to expedite recovery efforts on a war footing to ensure immediate aid reaches the affected populace.
CS Garg also highlighted the state’s major achievements recorded between October and mid-November. Key milestones included the inauguration of the RBI Data Centre by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Bhumi Pujan of a major industrial project in Kalinganagar, investment proposals worth ₹1.17 lakh crore in the renewable energy sector, the signing of 18 MoUs, and the distribution of 2,067 appointment letters.
Furthermore, she praised the state’s anti-corruption drive, which has seen the conviction rate rise to 65%, and lauded the success of Puri, Bhubaneswar, and Asika in the Swachh Survekshan rankings. The state also celebrated the golden victories of the Indian Men’s and Women’s Hockey teams at the Asian Games, alongside the rollout of the third phase of the Adarsha Prathamika Vidyalaya in 630 schools and a new Pension Management Portal.
Robust Financial Growth and Budget Preparedness
A detailed presentation on the state’s financial performance up to October 31, 2026, revealed strong fiscal health. Overall budget expenditure has seen a 9.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Notably, program expenditure surged by 11%, capital outlay jumped by an impressive 27.2%, and infrastructure sector spending saw a 13.5% boost.
Looking ahead, discussions centred on the upcoming supplementary budget and the preparation of the 2027-28 annual budget. The Chief Secretary emphasised that the forthcoming budget must align with the state’s long-term vision of ‘Viksit Odisha 2036’ and the national goal of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’. Special priority will be given to the social sector, demanding accelerated spending in areas like social security, healthcare, education, labour welfare, Mission Shakti, and tribal and skill development.
Push for 100% Digital Public Services
The meeting also took a deep dive into the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) initiatives and the execution of the Odisha Right to Public Services Act (ORTPSA) 2012. Currently, out of 451 notified services across 32 departments, 371 are available online, while 80 remain offline. The administration has successfully integrated 241 services into the auto-appeal system, 265 into the Central Monitoring System (CMS), and 208 into the ‘Aama Sathi’ WhatsApp Chatbot.
CS Garg advised all departments to transition the remaining offline services to online modes swiftly, cementing the government’s commitment to transparency, integrated administration, and rapid service delivery to citizens.
