Odisha Chief Minister Announces 'People's Budget' Based on Citizen Input
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared on Thursday that the forthcoming state budget will genuinely reflect the will of the people, crafted directly from suggestions and feedback provided by citizens across the state. Speaking at a significant pre-budget consultation meeting in Bhubaneswar, CM Majhi emphasized that his administration operates as "the people's government," where public opinion holds paramount importance.
Budget Process Moves Beyond Traditional Boundaries
"For us, the voice of the people is the voice of God," stated Chief Minister Majhi during his address. "That is precisely why we have deliberately moved the budget-making process out from the confines of the secretariat and into the broader public domain." This fundamental shift aims to ensure transparency and direct citizen participation in fiscal planning.
The consultation meeting saw active participation from over 50 distinguished experts and representatives spanning civil society organizations, major industry bodies, non-governmental organizations, and various economic sectors. Their collective expertise provided diverse perspectives on budgetary priorities and allocations.
Systematic Collection and Analysis of Public Suggestions
CM Majhi revealed that the government has been meticulously gathering citizen input through multiple digital channels, including a dedicated web portal, official email communications, SMS messages, and even WhatsApp platforms. All received suggestions are undergoing careful examination by relevant departments to identify feasible proposals for budget incorporation.
"We are thoroughly studying every valuable suggestion that has reached us through these channels," Majhi confirmed. "The objective is to integrate practical public feedback directly into our budgetary framework."
Recent Initiatives Demonstrating Public-Driven Governance
To illustrate how citizen feedback already shapes policy, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted several key initiatives:
- Mukhyamantri Kanya Bibaha Yojana: A social welfare scheme developed in response to public needs
- Sri Jagannath Darshan Programme: An upcoming cultural and religious initiative reflecting popular sentiment
- Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Paradip-Puri Economic Corridor: A proposed infrastructure project addressing regional development demands
Majhi stressed that these programs exemplify how policies and schemes are continuously refined based on ongoing citizen feedback, establishing a dynamic governance model.
Directive for Comprehensive Suggestion Integration
Concluding the consultation, CM Majhi issued clear instructions to all government departments to systematically record and examine every suggestion presented during the meeting. He mandated that viable proposals must be seriously considered for inclusion in the final budget document, ensuring the consultation translates into tangible fiscal decisions.
This participatory approach to budget formulation represents a significant departure from traditional top-down planning methods, positioning citizen engagement at the core of Odisha's governance strategy under the current administration.
