Chief Secretary Orders Monthly Budget Reviews
In a decisive step to strengthen administrative efficiency and ensure timely execution of the 2025–26 budget, Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has directed all departments to conduct monthly performance reviews. The move is aimed at enforcing real-time project tracking, reducing bureaucratic delays, and improving policy implementation across sectors.
Held at Kharavela Bhavan, the high-level financial review meeting included senior bureaucrats and focused on evaluating April’s fiscal performance, identifying administrative bottlenecks, and aligning departmental actions with the state’s strategic objectives.
Strong Fiscal Start and Demand for Discipline
The Finance Department presented promising numbers: a 35% year-on-year increase in total expenditure, with program-related spending jumping 66% compared to April 2024. These figures reflect Odisha’s early momentum in driving fiscal activity under the new budget.
Chief Secretary Ahuja reinforced the importance of this trajectory. “Efficient governance hinges on fiscal discipline and measurable outcomes,” he said. He urged all departments to stay aligned with the budget’s priorities and closely monitor the fund flow to new initiatives.
Tackling Bureaucratic Gridlock
One of the critical barriers highlighted was the inefficiency of file movement within the Odisha State Wide Area Network (OSWAS). Currently, files pass through five to six layers before reaching the department Secretary—resulting in avoidable delays.
To address this, Ahuja proposed a significant reform: capping file movement at three levels. This measure is expected to cut red tape, reduce decision-making time, and foster a faster, more responsive governance system.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg confirmed that feedback from departments is being collected and a formal policy shift will be announced shortly.
Focus on Policy Execution and Scheme Rollouts
The review also covered the status of key policy implementations, revenue performance, and pending guidelines for upcoming schemes. Departments were instructed to expedite finalization of operational frameworks to avoid rollout delays in the second quarter.
Emphasis was placed on outcome-oriented governance, where every rupee spent must translate into measurable progress on ground.
A Government on the Move
Preparations are also underway to mark the first anniversary of the new government starting June 12. A series of public engagement events at state and district levels will highlight achievements and reinforce the administration’s commitment to transparency and progress.
Present at the meeting were top officials including ACSs from Home, Revenue, Environment, Industries, and MSME, all reaffirming their departments’ readiness to adopt the reforms and drive faster execution.
Governance with Speed and Purpose
Odisha’s push for monthly departmental reviews, streamlined workflows, and policy acceleration signals a shift from reactive governance to proactive performance delivery. The reforms—if effectively implemented—could set a new benchmark in state-level administrative efficiency.
As the state enters a pivotal fiscal year, this move underscores a simple but powerful principle: governance must not only plan but also perform—on time, every time.
(With agency inputs)
