In a significant step toward strengthening local governance in Odisha, the Sixth State Finance Commission, led by Chairman Dr. Arun Kumar Panda, met with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday, June 16, to seek his insights on empowering local bodies across the state.
The meeting, held at the Chief Minister’s Office, marked a pivotal moment for Odisha’s decentralised governance framework, as the commission prepares to recommend resource allocation for the next five years, starting April 1, 2026.
During the event, Chief Minister Majhi officially launched the Odisha State Finance Commission’s website (https://sfc.odisha.gov.in), a digital platform designed to foster public participation in shaping the state’s fiscal policies for local bodies. The website invites suggestions and feedback from a wide range of stakeholders, including elected representatives, Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Zilla Parishads, Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Notified Area Councils, intellectuals, universities, research organisations, civil society groups, and individual citizens. It also serves as a repository of information, hosting details of previous and current State Finance Commissions, study reports, and past recommendations, making it a valuable resource for public awareness and engagement.
The Sixth State Finance Commission, constituted under Articles 243-I and 243-Y of the Indian Constitution by the Hon’ble Governor, is tasked with recommending the transfer of financial resources from the state government to local bodies, including rural and urban governance institutions. These recommendations will guide resource distribution for the period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2031, ensuring that local bodies are equipped to address grassroots developmental needs effectively.
The meeting was attended by prominent officials, including Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Principal Secretary of Finance Saswata Mishra, Principal Secretary of Electronics & Information Technology Vishal Kumar Dev, and commission members Prof. Asit Ranjan Mohanty, Prof. Amaresh Samantaraya, and Dr. Bibhu Prasad Nayak. Dr. Satya Priya Rath, Member Secretary of the commission, was also present, underscoring the collaborative effort to enhance local governance.
The launch of the website is a forward-thinking initiative, reflecting the commission’s commitment to transparency and public involvement. By providing a platform for stakeholders to contribute ideas, the commission aims to craft recommendations that align with the diverse needs of Odisha’s rural and urban populations. The website’s user-friendly interface and comprehensive resources make it accessible to a broad audience, fostering informed dialogue on fiscal devolution.
As Odisha moves toward a more decentralised governance model, the Sixth State Finance Commission’s efforts are expected to strengthen the financial autonomy of local bodies, enabling them to address critical areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sanitation. The commission’s recommendations will be instrumental in shaping Odisha’s developmental trajectory over the next five years.
With the website now live and the commission actively engaging with stakeholders, Odisha is poised to set a benchmark for participatory governance and fiscal empowerment of local bodies. The state looks forward to a robust framework that will enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of its grassroots institutions.
