Bhubaneswar: In a significant move to strengthen regional identity and accessibility, Chief Secretary Shrimati Anu Garg has directed all departments to ensure that government websites currently available only in English are updated to include Odia. Emphasizing the linguistic heritage of the state, the mandate also calls for the prioritized and continued use of the Odia language across all official government correspondence and administrative functions.
Chief Secretary Smt.Garg chaired a high-level secretary-level meeting today at the Kharavela Bhavan conference room. The meeting focused on reviewing expenditures and revenue collection for the 2025-26 state budget as of January 31, 2026.
Discussion points and directives included: Financial Review: It was noted that expenditures in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, animal husbandry, cooperation, housing, urban development, energy, and social sectors have increased compared to the previous year. With two months remaining in the current fiscal year, departments were instructed to accelerate work to meet revenue collection and expenditure targets.
Strategic Priorities: Special attention was directed toward sunrise sectors, including industries, sports, IT, MSME, and technical education, which are considered vital for future economic growth.
Administrative Reform: Progress on the Chief Minister’s 15-point agenda was discussed. Departments must present reports next month regarding disciplinary actions against corrupt or incompetent officials to ensure transparency. Additionally, regular reviews of staff training through the Mission Karmayogi iGOT platform were mandated to improve efficiency.
Language and Digital Presence: The Chief Secretary ordered that all government websites currently in English be updated to Odia and emphasized the continued use of the Odia language in official government work.
Future Planning: Following the presentation of the Union Budget, departments were advised to align the upcoming state budget with the Odisha Vision for a developed state, focusing on innovative, people-centric welfare schemes.
Development Commissioner Shri Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh and Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar were among the senior officials in attendance.