Bhubaneswar:The Odisha Government is cracking down on what it calls “indiscreet engagement” of external consultants, mandating a rigorous vetting process for all new and ongoing appointments beyond April 2026.
Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja, has put all state government departments and subordinate organizations on notice, requiring them to justify the need for any consultants.
The circular, dated July 31, 2025, references a previous instruction from the ex-Chief Secretary from September 2019, highlighting that departments must now proactively assess and justify their need for consultants.
The document, titled “Engagement of Consultants/PMUs/TSUs/other similar entities,” explicitly states that the purpose of bringing in external expertise is to build a collaborative ecosystem and enhance efficiency, experience, and institutional memory within the government.
The move comes as the government observed that in-house capabilities of its own employees were being “grossly underutilized,” leading to an excessive dependency on external consultants.
To address this, a high-powered committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, will now be the ultimate authority for approving all consultant engagements.
The committee will also include the Development Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary of the GA & PG Department, and the Principal Secretary of the Finance Department.
The new directive, effective from April 1, 2026, stipulates that all departments must thoroughly assess their requirements and propose the “optimum number” of consultants needed to the Finance Department. The Finance Department will then place the matter before the new committee for final approval.
The memorandum carries a stern warning: “Without prior approval of the above-said Committee, remuneration shall not be paid to any consultant (engaged in whatever name and form) after 01.04.2026.” This signifies a major shift in policy, aimed at streamlining government operations, leveraging internal expertise, and ensuring fiscal prudence.
Chief Secretary Shri Manoj Ahuja message is clear: the era of unrestrained consultant hiring is over.