Bhubaneswar: Odisha Government has officially announced the establishment of the State Institute for Transformative Initiatives, known as SITI Odisha, to replace the long-standing State Planning Board.
This move signals a major shift in the state’s governance framework, moving away from traditional planning models toward a modern, data-driven think tank structure modeled after the central government’s NITI Aayog.
The transition aims to revitalize the state’s strategic planning capabilities, which had remained largely dormant for nearly two decades. Under the new structure, SITI Odisha will serve as the apex policy body responsible for guiding the state toward the goals of Vision 2036 and Viksit Odisha 2047. The institute is designed to foster innovation, provide expert policy advice, and ensure evidence-based decision-making across various government departments.
The organizational hierarchy of SITI Odisha will be led by the Chief Minister as the Chairperson. The framework includes a Vice-Chairperson with the rank of a Cabinet Minister, four full-time expert members with the rank of Minister of State, and nine ex-officio members. Additionally, a Chief Executive Officer and the Member Secretary will oversee day-to-day operations and inter-departmental coordination.
A key feature of this transformation is the inclusion of the State Monitoring and Evaluation Office as an attached wing. This office will focus on tracking the performance of government schemes and ensuring transparency in service delivery. By encouraging the lateral entry of professionals and subject matter experts, the government intends to utilize SITI Odisha as a hub for high-quality analytical work and long-term reform implementation.
Operating under the administrative control of the Planning and Convergence Department, SITI Odisha is expected to bridge the gap between grassroots needs and high-level policy formulation. This restructuring reflects a broader national trend where states are reorienting their defunct planning boards to become more agile, responsive, and outcome-oriented institutions.