5T travesty! CAG report highlights wide gaps in Odisha’s transformation initiative

The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has raised concerns over the 5T programme in its report, specifically critiquing the high school transformation project for lacking a clear timeline regarding the Detailed Project Reports (DPR) essential for the initiative.

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The absence of defined deadlines for project completion has also been called into question, suggesting the need for a more structured strategy to enhance project execution and accountability.

CAG's observations have ignited discussions about the efficiency of the 5T framework, which stands for transparency, technology, teamwork, time, and transformation in governance. The CAG report underscores the importance of timely project delivery and improved transparency in government undertakings in Odisha.

Public discourse around these findings hints at potential reforms to bolster government initiatives’ effectiveness in the State, with an emphasis on responsible planning and rigorous oversight.

“The objective of the High School Transformation Programme, under the Government of Odisha’s Vision 5T initiative, was to encourage the involvement of elected local bodies, School Management Committee (SMC) and alumni, for infrastructural transformation in schools and reshape the school processes, thereby making schools happier learning places. Apart from infrastructure, the other focus of the project was to enhance teachers’ skills, instil self-confidence among students and build project ownership among the teaching community, alumni, and local communities,” the CAG report mentioned.

“Scrutiny of records of the OSEPA revealed that, for the transformation of 1,146 high schools (in two phases 260 + 886), under the 5T initiative, a sum of 687.60 crore (Rs 156 crore + Rs 531.60), at the rate of 60 lakh per school, had been approved (June/ September 2021) by OMBADC and released (August 2021 and October 2021) by OSEPA, to seven districts,” the CAG report stated.

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CAG findings on the 5T Initiative

“In case of DPRs for the High School transformation programme under 5T, neither had any specific directions been issued in regard to the timelines for submission of DPRs, nor had any timelines been set for completion of projects,” the CAG report read.