Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced a comprehensive restructuring of its welfare and development schemes, aiming to discontinue non-performing programmes, rationalise expenditure, and redirect resources toward high-impact initiatives that benefit the maximum number of people.
The move comes after a high-level review meeting chaired by the Additional Chief Secretary, held between April 16 and 18, during which schemes across 23 departments were thoroughly evaluated for their performance, utilisation, and outreach.
Under the proposed changes, schemes that have received no budget allocation in the past three to four years will be discontinued. Officials indicated that programmes with little or no utilisation will be phased out, while those delivering tangible benefits to a large section of the population will continue. Several schemes introduced by the previous government ahead of elections but saw zero expenditure are also likely to be axed as part of this exercise.
“The focus is on convergence, optimisation of resources, and maximising beneficiary impact,” senior official said emphasising that the restructuring seeks to eliminate inefficiencies and ensure that public funds are used effectively.
According to sources, the government is planning to merge smaller schemes under larger umbrella schemes, both at the state and central levels, to improve implementation, widen coverage, and reduce administrative overlaps. Wherever feasible, State Sector Schemes will be aligned with or subsumed under bigger umbrella programmes, with their budgetary provisions merged accordingly.
All department secretaries have been directed to submit detailed reports on their State Sector Schemes within 15 days. These reports would include utilisation data with schemes categorised into high, medium, and low priority based on performance and impact. The compiled information will be presented to the Planning and Convergence Department for final recommendations and action.
The exercise is expected to result in a leaner, more focused portfolio of government programmes, freeing up resources for priority areas such as agriculture, health, education, rural infrastructure, and social welfare—sectors that have received significant allocations in the 2026-27 state budget, the sources added.
The restructuring is being viewed as a pragmatic step toward fiscal prudence and better governance, especially in the context of the state’s push for accelerated development and efficient public spending.
Further details on the specific schemes to be discontinued or merged are expected once the departmental reports are reviewed.
