A State Moving Towards Smarter Administration
Odisha has steadily positioned itself as a state determined to lead by example—strengthening governance, refining policies, and delivering more responsive public services. In line with this vision, the government has now entered into a strategic partnership with the Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS) to introduce a Decision Support System (DSS). This initiative is designed to embed data analytics and evidence-based insights into the heart of policy-making, marking a significant shift toward modern, accountable governance.
A Partnership with Long-Term Impact
The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the Chief Minister’s Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar. Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo described the collaboration as a milestone in Odisha’s reform journey, noting that public services will become more transparent, efficient, and equitable when guided by data and outcomes. He highlighted that this step reflects the state’s commitment to serve citizens with integrity and accountability.
Technical Expertise for Five Years
Under the pact, CEGIS will extend technical and analytical assistance to different government departments for the next five years. The focus areas include strengthening policy formulation, optimising public spending, and enhancing service delivery models. Beyond immediate advisory support, the collaboration will also institutionalise capacity-building programmes to ensure governance reforms take root and endure over time.
The CEGIS Foundation, staffed by more than 150 professionals, will spearhead the effort to integrate advanced data analytics into governance. Their work will include developing performance metrics, streamlining administrative processes, and fostering an environment of continuous improvement. By embedding such practices into Odisha’s institutions, the organisation aims to play a pivotal role in achieving the state’s developmental aspirations.
Driving Seamless Public Services
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reiterated the state government’s goal of reducing bureaucratic delays and creating a seamless citizen-service experience. According to him, initiatives like the DSS will empower departments with faster decision-making tools and more precise monitoring mechanisms.
Development Commissioner Anu Garg added that the true strength of the initiative lies in institutional capacity-building. By improving the ability of departments to collect, analyse, and act on data, Odisha will be better equipped to design and implement policies that match citizens’ evolving needs.
Decision Support as a Game Changer
The DSS is expected to become the government’s central tool for informed governance. Its applications range from evaluating expenditure efficiency and enhancing revenue collection to assessing the performance of sectors such as energy. Crucially, it will allow for cross-departmental analysis, enabling integrated planning and better coordination across ministries.
By aligning with Odisha’s long-term development goals for 2036 and 2047, the DSS reinforces the state’s vision of building resilient institutions and ensuring sustainable growth. The ultimate objective is not only to improve administrative efficiency but also to deepen public trust in governance.
Signing the Way Forward
The MoU was signed by Vineet Bharadwaj, Executive Director of the Centre for Modernising Government Initiative, on behalf of the state, and Dr. Vijay Pinage, CEO of CEGIS, for the foundation. Both leaders voiced optimism that the partnership would establish Odisha as a trailblazer in harnessing technology for governance reform.
Setting a Benchmark for the Future
With this initiative, Odisha is not simply adopting a new tool—it is embracing a new mindset. By placing data at the core of decision-making, the state is laying the foundation for governance that is more responsive, transparent, and accountable. The DSS positions Odisha as a frontrunner in modern administrative practices and sets a benchmark for other Indian states aiming to combine technology with policy-making. In doing so, Odisha is not only serving its people better today but also charting a course for sustainable development and institutional resilience in the decades ahead.
(With agency inputs)
