Odisha government has sounded the alarm over sluggish plan expenditure in the opening months of the current financial year and directed all departments to furnish detailed accounts of spending on major schemes immediately.
In the first two months of FY 2026-27 (April–June), only 3.5 per cent of the plan outlay — amounting to ₹6,487 crore — has been utilised. This slow pace has prompted the Planning & Convergence Department to issue fresh instructions to all administrative departments, asking them to submit complete expenditure details, especially for flagship schemes, up to June 30.
In a letter issued by Additional Secretary Subhashree Nanda, departments have been asked to explain the reasons for any delay in spending. They must also present action-taken reports from the previous review meetings held on May 26–27.
The Department has scheduled a crucial two-day review meeting on July 9 and 10 under the chairmanship of the Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary. All departments have been asked to come fully prepared with scheme-wise expenditure figures and justifications for slow progress.
Alarmingly low utilisation across key departments
Data shared with departments reveals stark variation in spending as of end-May:
- Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water: 1.03%
- Housing & Urban Development: 6.55%
- Water Resources: 2.98%
- Works: 5.11%
In several departments, expenditure under certain flagship schemes stood at zero. Spending under centrally sponsored schemes has also remained very low across most departments, raising concerns over the timely execution of development projects.
The government’s move signals a clear push to accelerate fund utilisation and ensure that development schemes do not suffer due to procedural delays in the new financial year.
