Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government plans to restructure panchayats across the state before 2027, followed by reorganisation of blocks by 2029 as part of steps to strengthen local governance.
Announcing the move, Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said that the reorganisation will take place before the next panchayat elections. The aim is to ensure that central and state government schemes effectively reach beneficiaries at the grassroots level.
Similarly, block restructuring is scheduled to take place ahead of the next general elections, he said. The restructuring will be undertaken in order to ensure that administrative and electoral units are updated systematically.
“In the coming days, we have decided that a panchayat reorganisation will be conducted. The move will be done in accordance with people’s wishes and for maximum development of the block or panchayat,” he said.
The restructuring is expected to bring government schemes closer to the people, improving transparency and service delivery.
Notably, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati had earlier proposed amendments to the Panchayati Raj Act to reinforce the authority and functionality of panchayats.
Detailed deliberations on the proposal were held with departmental officials on Tuesday to finalise the roadmap for reorganisation, Naik stated.
“Suggestions given during the meeting have been taken into account, and before 2027, panchayat reorganisation will take place,” the Minister said.
