Odisha Govt Enhances Financial Powers of BDOs, Engineers, Reduces Panchayat Samiti Role

The Odisha government on Wednesday announced a significant move to enhance the financial powers of Block Development Officers (BDOs) and engineers across various levels, curtailing the authority of panchayat samitis, most of which are under the opposition BJD’s control.

The decision was approved at a state cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Officials said the step is aimed at expediting development works at the grassroots level by giving greater financial autonomy to administrative officers and technical staff.

However, the move is expected to trigger political controversy, as it effectively reduces the role of elected representatives in fund allocation and project execution at the block level. Opposition leaders allege this could undermine the spirit of decentralised governance.

Government sources, meanwhile, maintained that the decision was necessary to improve efficiency, accountability, and timely execution of welfare and infrastructure projects.

With rural Odisha heavily reliant on panchayat-level schemes, the decision is likely to intensify political sparring between the ruling BJP and the BJD in the coming days.