CM Majhi Launches State Finance Commission Website, Calls for Strengthening Local Governance

Bhubaneswar: The Sixth State Finance Commission of Odisha met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday and sought his guidance on empowering local bodies across the state. During the meeting, the Chief Minister launched the official website of the Odisha State Finance Commission — https://sfc.odisha.gov.in — aimed at fostering greater public participation in the Commission’s consultative process.

The website will serve as an interactive platform to gather feedback and suggestions from a wide range of stakeholders, including elected representatives, Gram Panchayats, Panchayat Samitis, Zilla Parishads, Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Notified Area Councils, academic institutions, research organizations, civil society groups, and individuals. It also offers public access to documents such as reports of previous Finance Commissions, research studies, and institutional data to support informed discourse on resource devolution.

Addressing the Commission, CM Majhi emphasized the crucial role of local governance in ensuring inclusive and responsive development. “Strengthening local bodies is integral to our vision of a participatory, efficient, and transparent government. I urge all stakeholders to actively engage with the Commission and contribute meaningful inputs,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Chairman of the Sixth State Finance Commission Dr. Arun Kumar Panda, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Finance Principal Secretary Saswata Mishra, Electronics & IT Principal Secretary Vishal Kumar Dev, and Commission Members Prof. Asit Ranjan Mohanty, Prof. Amaresh Samantaraya, and Dr. Bibhu Prasad Nayak. Member Secretary Dr. Satya Priya Rath was also present.

The Sixth State Finance Commission has been constituted by the Governor of Odisha under the provisions of Article 243-I and 243-Y of the Constitution of India. Headed by Dr. Panda, the Commission will recommend a framework for the devolution of financial resources from the State Government to rural and urban local bodies for a five-year period beginning April 1, 2026.