Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Thursday chaired a secretary-level meeting at Kharavela Bhawan to review departmental expenditure, assess progress on key government initiatives and discuss preparations for the upcoming supplementary budget and the 2027-28 annual budget.
The meeting was attended by Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners-cum-Secretaries and Secretaries of various departments.
The discussions focused on ensuring that expenditure during the 2026-27 financial year remains aligned with approved budgetary allocations, while also preparing for the next financial year’s priorities.
Reviewing the government’s achievements since the first week of October, the Chief Secretary highlighted several major developments. These included the inauguration of the RBI Data Centre by the Prime Minister, the laying of foundation stones for industrial projects at Kalinganagar, and renewable energy investment proposals worth Rs 1.17 lakh crore.
The period also witnessed the signing of 18 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), several Cabinet decisions and the distribution of appointment letters to 2,067 people. The government’s anti-corruption efforts recorded an improvement in the conviction rate to 65%.
The Chief Secretary also referred to the gold medal victories of India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams at the Asian Games, the launch of the third phase of the Model Primary School scheme covering 630 schools, and the introduction of the Pension Management Portal.
The achievements of Puri, Bhubaneswar and Asika in the Swachh Survekshan were also highlighted during the review.
Garg directed departments to expedite relief and restoration work for people affected by the recent floods in Ganjam district following Cyclone Arnab.
Expenditure rises across key sectors
The meeting reviewed the state’s financial performance up to October 31, 2026. Overall expenditure against budgetary allocations increased by 9.9% compared with the corresponding period last year.
Programme expenditure registered an increase of 11%, while capital expenditure rose by 27.2%. Infrastructure expenditure also recorded growth of 13.5%.
The meeting also examined revenue collection and department-wise expenditure. The Chief Secretary asked departments to accelerate the implementation of budgeted activities and ensure timely utilisation of allocated funds.
She stressed that preparations for the 2027-28 annual budget should reflect the state’s priority sectors and long-term development goals under Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Bharat 2047.
The proposed budget priorities include social security, education, healthcare, labour welfare, Panchayati Raj, drinking water, women and child development, Mission Shakti, tribal development and skill development.
Push for online public services
The meeting also reviewed progress under the Business Reform Action Plan, Ease of Doing Business initiatives and online delivery of services under the Odisha Right to Public Services Act, 2012.
Emphasising stronger interdepartmental coordination, transparency and timely delivery of public services, the Chief Secretary called for improvements in the auto-appeal system, Central Monitoring System and Amasathi WhatsApp chatbot.
Of the 451 notified services across 32 departments, 371 are currently available online, while 80 continue to be delivered offline. The auto-appeal mechanism has been introduced for 241 services, while 265 services are available on the CMS and 208 have been integrated with the Amasathi chatbot.
Departments were urged to bring the remaining offline services onto digital platforms to make public service delivery more accessible and efficient.
Secretaries of various departments also shared their views and suggestions during the meeting.
