Odisha has achieved a major milestone in urban governance with the successful implementation of the Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System (OSWAS) across all 115 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
The Housing & Urban Development Department introduced this digital platform to replace manual, paper-based administration with a unified, transparent, and efficient system.
The reform covers five Municipal Corporations, 48 Municipalities, and 62 Notified Area Councils. Developed by Tata Consultancy Services with support from the Odisha Computer Application Centre, OSWAS enables end-to-end digital management of official files, real-time tracking, and time-bound decision-making.
Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said OSWAS represents a cornerstone reform for modernising urban governance. He noted that the system enhances transparency, speed, and accountability, empowering ULBs to deliver faster and better services to citizens.
Before OSWAS, municipal offices faced delays due to manual file movement and inconsistent workflows. The new system introduces standardised processes, digital audit trails, and automated escalation mechanisms, ensuring discipline and efficiency.
Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted that OSWAS is not just a technology upgrade but a comprehensive process reform. She said it strengthens accountability, enables real-time monitoring, and supports data-driven decision-making.
The platform’s dashboard allows officials to track file movement and pendency, improving coordination and oversight. The reform has led to faster file disposal, improved accessibility of records, and a scalable digital governance framework.
Odisha’s OSWAS reform sets a national benchmark in leveraging technology for governance. It reflects the State’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric administration under the vision of Viksit Odisha.
