Odisha Government Expands Financial Powers of BDOs, Reducing Panchayat Authority

Increased Financial Authority for BDOs in Odisha

The government of Odisha, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has announced an expansion of financial powers for Block Development Officers (BDOs) and government engineers on Wednesday.

This move is expected to diminish the authority of elected representatives in the Panchayat Samitis, most of whom are affiliated with the opposition party, Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

The decision was made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Manjhi, raising concerns about potential new political disputes.

This resolution was one of five proposals approved during the meeting. Among the other decisions was the approval for the establishment of a new city in the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, with an estimated cost of ₹8,179 crores.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that the financial authority of BDOs to approve bills for Panchayat Samiti functions has been increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh, eliminating the need for co-signatures from the heads of block-level local bodies.