Odisha Chief Minister Announces Major Economic and Governance Reforms in State Budget
In a significant move to bolster economic planning and modernize governance, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled several key initiatives during the presentation of the state budget on Friday. The announcements mark a strategic shift toward data-driven policy-making and long-term development planning for the state.
Chief Minister's Economic Advisory Council Established
The centerpiece of the budget announcements was the formation of a Chief Minister's Economic Advisory Council. According to government sources, this body will function as Odisha's equivalent of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister at the national level. Its primary mandate will be to provide expert advice to the Chief Minister on critical economic matters and policy decisions that impact the state's growth trajectory.
The council is expected to bring together leading economists, industry experts, and policy specialists to help shape Odisha's economic future.
State Institute for Transformative Initiatives Launched
In another parallel to national institutions, the government announced the creation of the State Institute for Transformative Initiatives — Odisha (SITI-Odisha). This organization is conceived as a state-level counterpart to Niti Aayog, the premier policy think tank of the Government of India.
The institute will focus on three core areas:
- Supporting long-term strategic planning for sustainable development
- Formulating comprehensive development strategies aligned with state priorities
- Facilitating the implementation of crucial governance and economic reforms
Rs 23 Crore State AI Mission Unveiled
Perhaps the most forward-looking announcement was the unveiling of a State AI Mission with an initial outlay of Rs 23 crore. This initiative aims to systematically integrate artificial intelligence technologies across various government departments to enhance governance and improve service delivery to citizens.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that the mission will serve multiple purposes:
- Enable evidence-based policymaking through data analytics and AI insights
- Improve targeting and efficiency of public services
- Strengthen last-mile delivery of government programs and benefits
"This coordinated effort will create scalable, secure and reusable capabilities that improve service quality, transparency and citizen outcomes, contributing to the vision of Viksit Odisha 2036," the Chief Minister stated during his budget speech.
Comprehensive Approach to Development
The simultaneous announcement of these three initiatives reflects a comprehensive approach to state development. The Economic Advisory Council will provide high-level economic guidance, SITI-Odisha will handle strategic planning and reform implementation, while the AI Mission will bring technological innovation to governance processes.
Together, these bodies are designed to work in coordination to transform Odisha's economic landscape and governance systems. The emphasis on creating state-level equivalents of national institutions suggests an ambition to develop homegrown expertise and solutions tailored to Odisha's specific developmental challenges and opportunities.
The budget announcements come at a crucial time as the state works toward its Viksit Odisha 2036 vision, which aims to position Odisha as a developed state with sustainable economic growth, improved quality of life for all citizens, and modern, efficient governance systems.
