Odisha Sets Up SITI Odisha On Lines Of NITI Aayog, Replaces State Planning Board
SITI Odisha is expected to function as the state’s apex advisory body for economic planning and development strategy, mirroring the role played by NITI Aayog at the national level: Reports
BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Saturday reconstituted the State Planning Board into the State Institute for Transformative Initiative (SITI Odisha), creating a new policy think tank on the lines of the Centre’s NITI Aayog to steer the state’s long-term development roadmap.
With this move, the State Planning Board ceases to exist in its earlier form, marking a shift from a traditional planning body to a more flexible, strategy-driven institution focused on transformative governance and policy innovation.
SITI Odisha is expected to function as the state’s apex advisory body for economic planning and development strategy, mirroring the role played by NITI Aayog at the national level. It will emphasise cooperative and competitive federalism within the state, data-driven decision-making and outcome-based policy execution.
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi will head the body as chairman, while a vice-chairman will be appointed to manage its day-to-day functioning. The institution will comprise four expert members, nine ex-officio members and two special invitees to provide domain-specific inputs and ensure effective policy implementation.
Officials said the new body will play a key role in driving the state’s long-term vision documents, including ‘Samrudha Odisha Vision 2036’ and the broader goal of achieving a ‘Vikshit Odisha’ by 2047.
The restructuring is aimed at bringing greater agility and innovation into governance by replacing the earlier top-down planning approach with a collaborative and consultative model. SITI Odisha will work closely with various departments, experts and stakeholders to design and monitor development programmes aligned with global best practices.
The government believes the transition to a NITI Aayog-style framework will help accelerate inclusive growth, improve policy coordination and strengthen Odisha’s trajectory towards becoming a developed state.
