In a significant administrative reform, the Odisha government has replaced the long-standing State Planning Board with a new institution—SITI-Odisha (State Institute for Transformative Initiatives)—aimed at strengthening policy planning and accelerating development.
End of an Era: Planning Board Becomes History
The State Planning Board, which served as Odisha’s key policy think tank for decades, has now been dissolved. The new body, SITI-Odisha, has been established on the lines of NITI Aayog to bring a modern, evidence-based approach to governance.
The decision was formalized through a resolution issued by the state’s Planning and Convergence Department on April 17.
Vision for ‘Viksit Odisha’ and ‘Samruddha Odisha’
The move aligns with the government’s long-term vision of achieving a “Samruddha Odisha” by 2036 and a “Viksit Odisha” by 2047. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the new institution aims to introduce strategic planning, data-driven policymaking, and forward-looking governance to transform the state’s development trajectory.
Structure and Leadership of SITI-Odisha
The Chief Minister will serve as the Chairperson of SITI-Odisha. A Vice-Chairperson, nominated by the Chief Minister, will hold the rank and privileges of a Cabinet Minister.
The body will include:
- Four full-time expert members from priority sectors, with the rank of Ministers of State
- The Development Commissioner as Member Secretary
- A senior IAS officer appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
- Nine officials from various departments as members
- Two domain experts from reputed institutions as special invitees
Focus on Evidence-Based Governance
SITI-Odisha will oversee a dedicated unit named the State Monitoring and Evaluation Office (SMEO), which will function as the nodal agency for evidence-based governance in the state.
The institution will provide guidance across six key thematic areas:
- Economy and finance
- Rural economy and livelihoods
- Employment and urban development
- Innovation and ideas
- Energy transition
- Environment, forests, mining, and natural resources
District Planning Committees Already Announced
Earlier this month, the state government had announced the formation of District Planning Committees (DPCs) across all 30 districts. Chairpersons have been appointed, with 4 ministers and 26 MLAs heading these committees to strengthen decentralized planning at the district level.
A Major Shift in Governance Approach
With the establishment of SITI-Odisha, the state government aims to bring a transformative shift in governance by focusing on strategic planning, expert-driven decision-making, and measurable outcomes, replacing the traditional planning framework with a more dynamic and modern system.