In a significant move towards enhancing governance and public accountability, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi officially launched the innovative 'Samikshya' portal on Wednesday. This digital platform is designed to facilitate real-time monitoring of various development projects that receive funding through grants allocated by the State Finance Commission (SFC) and the Central Finance Commission (CFC).
Empowering Citizens and Officials with Transparency
The newly introduced portal serves as a comprehensive tool that empowers a wide range of stakeholders, including ordinary citizens, elected representatives, and government officials. By providing access to detailed progress updates, it allows users to closely track the implementation status of critical infrastructure projects. These projects encompass essential public utilities such as road construction, drinking water supply systems, sanitation initiatives, street lighting installations, park developments, and other community-focused amenities.
Background of the Sixth State Finance Commission
The launch of the 'Samikshya' portal is closely tied to the recommendations put forth by the sixth State Finance Commission, which was chaired by Arun Kumar Panda. This commission was specifically constituted by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati with a clear mandate: to establish principles for the equitable distribution of the state's tax and non-tax revenues among the three-tier panchayati raj institutions (PRIs) and urban local bodies (ULBs). Additionally, the SFC was tasked with proposing measures to strengthen the financial health and operational capabilities of these local governing entities.
During its tenure, the sixth SFC adopted a meticulous and inclusive approach, emphasizing evidence-based decision-making. The commission engaged in extensive consultations with various government departments, civil society organizations, and citizens to gather diverse perspectives. It also conducted field visits to multiple districts, PRIs, and ULBs to assess ground realities firsthand. Furthermore, the SFC reviewed and analyzed studies conducted by academic and research institutions to inform its recommendations.
Key Recommendations and Focus Areas
The sixth State Finance Commission has placed a strong emphasis on several critical areas to ensure balanced and effective development across Odisha. Its recommendations highlight the importance of:
- Strengthening the fiscal foundations of local bodies through a predictable and formula-based devolution system.
- Addressing equity concerns and regional disparities to promote inclusive growth.
- Catering to the differing needs of rural and urban local bodies with tailored financial and non-financial support.
- Implementing measures that contribute to the overall development and sustainability of PRIs and ULBs.
Objectives and Expected Impact of the Portal
The primary objective behind the launch of the 'Samikshya' portal is to significantly improve transparency, accountability, and the timely execution of projects funded under the SFC and CFC grants. By enabling real-time monitoring, the portal aims to:
- Provide stakeholders with up-to-date information on project progress, reducing delays and inefficiencies.
- Enhance service delivery at the grassroots level by ensuring that funds are utilized effectively and as intended.
- Foster greater public participation in governance by allowing citizens to hold authorities accountable for project outcomes.
- Support evidence-based policy-making and resource allocation through data-driven insights into project performance.
This initiative marks a pivotal step in Odisha's journey towards digital governance and improved public service management. By leveraging technology to monitor development works, the state government aims to build trust among citizens and ensure that infrastructure projects translate into tangible benefits for communities across the region.
