Seven Years After Launch, Contractor Management System Faces Fresh Questions

The Odisha government’s Contractor Database Management System (CDMS), launched in 2018 to digitise contractor registration, tender evaluation and project monitoring, has come under fresh scrutiny amid allegations of prolonged delays, technical shortcomings and irregularities in project implementation.

The CDMS was conceived by the Works Department, Government of Odisha, to create a comprehensive digital platform for managing contractors engaged in civil and electrical works across the state. The system was designed to digitise the entire contractor lifecycle—from licence registration and renewal to bid evaluation, online Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) payments and post-award project monitoring.

It was also intended to integrate with the state’s i-Prakalp project management platform to facilitate real-time monitoring of project execution, measurements, billing and contractor performance.

Objective Was to Improve Transparency

The CDMS was envisioned as a governance reform aimed at bringing transparency and efficiency to contractor management. The portal facilitates new contractor registration, licence renewal and licence upgradation while digitally assessing the technical eligibility of contractors before project awards based on predefined parameters.

The initiative was expected to simplify procedures and provide equal opportunities to contractors across different categories, including young entrepreneurs.

Project Management Under Scanner

According to information available, the project’s planning, procurement strategy and implementation were handled by the Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (OBCC). However, questions have been raised over whether OBCC possessed the required technical expertise and IT resources to manage such a large-scale digital transformation project.

An IT Project Management Unit (ITPMU), supported by Deloitte Consulting, was subsequently established to assist in project implementation and monitoring.

The software development contract was awarded to CSM Technologies, which developed the CDMS platform. However, despite the project’s ambitious objectives, the system reportedly encountered persistent technical issues and operational challenges after implementation.

Vendor Changed, But Allegations Persist

According to allegations made by sources familiar with the project, the Works Department decided to discontinue the services of CSM Technologies in 2022 following complaints from various stakeholders regarding the system’s performance.

The department subsequently awarded the Operation, Maintenance and Enhancement (OME) work to ABM Solution.

However, allegations claim that although ABM Solution officially became the implementing agency, technical operations have continued to be supported by personnel associated with CSM Technologies, effectively allowing the company to remain involved in the project. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Even after nearly seven years, stakeholders claim the portal continues to suffer from software bugs and performance issues despite receiving budgetary support for development, operation and maintenance.

March 2026 Review Meeting Raises Fresh Questions

Fresh controversy has emerged over a CDMS-3 review meeting held in March 2026.

According to allegations, contractor representatives—who are among the principal stakeholders of the system—were invited but were ultimately not allowed to participate in the discussions following instructions issued during the meeting.

However, it has been alleged that Nanu Pany, associated with CSM Technologies, attended the meeting and participated in discussions relating to the project despite CSM no longer being the official implementation agency.

Based on this, some stakeholders have alleged that ABM Solution has been functioning as a proxy company for CSM Technologies. These allegations remain unverified and no official confirmation has been issued.

Allegations Against Department Officials

The allegations further claim that certain officials within the Works Department facilitated the continued involvement of CSM Technologies in the project despite the official change of vendor.

Questions have also been raised regarding the alleged roles of the department’s Financial Advisor, Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) Sameer Hota, and the current Principal Secretary of the Works Department in extending undue favour to the company.

No documentary evidence supporting these allegations has been made public, and no official response from the Works Department, CSM Technologies, ABM Solution or the officials named in the allegations was available at the time of publication.

Government Response Awaited

The CDMS project was launched as one of Odisha’s key e-governance initiatives to improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in public works contracting.

However, the continuing technical issues and the latest allegations have renewed concerns over project oversight, accountability and governance.