In a significant move to reshape governance in the state, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi kicked off the New Year by issuing a comprehensive 15-point directive to the newly appointed Chief Secretary, Anu Garg. The instructions, aligned with the ambitious Odisha Vision 2036 and 2047, are designed to make the administration more dynamic, clean, and centered on the people's needs.
Blueprint for a Prosperous Odisha
The core of the directive revolves around achieving the goals set out in the state's Vision Document. Chief Minister Majhi emphasised that the government must act swiftly over the next two years to transform Odisha into a prosperous state with a massive $500-billion economy by 2036. The vision aims to place Odisha among India's top five developed states through a mixed-economy model.
To fuel this growth, the bureaucracy has been instructed to prioritise knowledge-driven industries and the services sector. A key focus is on fast-tracking clearances to enable rapid industrial development, with district collectors being asked to expedite all related processes.
Zero Tolerance and Administrative Overhaul
A major pillar of the new directive is a stern stance against corruption and inefficiency. Majhi instructed the administration to identify corrupt, inefficient, or irresponsible officials and take strict action against them. This action could include compulsory retirement under Article 311 of the Constitution and the Odisha Service Rules.
Furthermore, to build a capable administrative machinery, the directive calls for filling all vacant posts within two years and deploying skilled and efficient officers in key roles. The Chief Minister also ordered continuous review and evaluation of government schemes. The Bhubaneswar-based Nabakrushna Choudhury Centre for Development Studies is to be strengthened as a centre of excellence for research and assessment.
Promoting Odia and Strengthening Public Connect
Reinforcing the government's push for the primacy of the Odia language, CM Majhi issued a clear order: all official work—including notices, announcements, and correspondence—must be conducted exclusively in Odia. This rule applies from the state secretariat down to the block level, with non-compliance inviting disciplinary action.
The directive also places strong emphasis on timely grievance redressal. Officers at all levels—secretariat, district, block, and tehsil—have been asked to hear public grievances seriously and resolve them promptly. The use of social-media-based mechanisms for this purpose has been encouraged.
To ensure officials remain grounded, field visits have been made mandatory. Reports from these visits will directly factor into the performance evaluations of the officers, linking their assessments to on-ground realities and public feedback.
