In a significant move to reinvigorate the state administration, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has handed a detailed 15-point action plan to the newly appointed Chief Secretary, Anu Garg. The agenda, aimed at accelerating development and improving governance, was presented as Garg, a 1991-batch IAS officer, formally assumed charge on January 1, 2026, becoming the first woman to hold the top bureaucratic post in the state.
A Blueprint for a Developed Odisha
The comprehensive programme is strategically aligned with Odisha Vision 2036, the state's long-term development framework. Under this vision, the government has set an ambitious target of positioning Odisha among India's top five developed economies by the time the state completes 100 years of its formation in 2036. Officials from the Chief Minister's Office confirmed that the points are designed to translate this vision into actionable ground-level results.
The list prioritizes expediting industrial approvals to attract investment and generate employment. District collectors have received direct instructions to fast-track these processes to facilitate rapid industrialization. The focus will also extend to nurturing knowledge-driven industries and boosting the services sector.
Citizen-Centric Governance and Administrative Overhaul
A major thrust of the agenda is making governance more responsive and pro-people. Emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, the Chief Minister has instructed officials to identify and weed out corrupt and inefficient officers from the system, citing recent vigilance actions. The plan also stresses robust grievance redressal mechanisms at all levels to have a direct positive impact on citizens' lives.
In a move to strengthen the administrative machinery, the government has set a concrete target to fill all vacant posts in the state government within the next two years. Furthermore, in a significant cultural and administrative shift, the use of the Odia language has been made mandatory for official work.
Addressing Challenges and Ensuring Implementation
The new agenda comes at a time when the BJP government, after 18 months in power, is looking to address public expectations. While initiatives like resuming the CM's grievance cell and launching populist schemes are underway, a senior bureaucrat, speaking anonymously, acknowledged a sense of public disappointment that needs addressing. The government also faces significant challenges in law and order and crimes against women.
To ensure tangible outcomes, the new Chief Secretary has been specifically tasked with stressing the need for regular review and evaluation of all development projects and schemes. This is to guarantee their effective implementation on the ground. After taking charge, Anu Garg stated her priority is to work towards a strong and prosperous Odisha, calling for concerted efforts to achieve the set targets.
With Garg's historic appointment, a reshuffle at the top levels of the state bureaucracy is now anticipated, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in Odisha's administrative journey.
