Odisha CM can now approve up to Rs 100 crore sanction; financial powers also modified for ministers, secretaries

The Odisha government has restructured financial approval limits for the Chief Minister, ministers, and senior bureaucrats to streamline decision-making and boost transparency.

The modifications were made as part of amendments to the Delegation of Financial Power Rules, 1978 under which the state Chief Minister can now approve sanctions up to Rs 100 crore individually for goods, consultancy, and outsourcing services. However, proposals exceeding this cap would require cabinet approval.

Revised Limits for Ministers, Secretaries

Similarly, ministers overseeing administrative departments may approve up to Rs 50 crore for goods and Rs 10 crore each for consultancy and outsourcing. Department secretaries can sanction Rs 20 crore for goods and Rs 3 crore for services, while heads of departments (HoDs) have ceilings of Rs 10 crore (goods) and Rs 1 crore (services).

ALSO READ: Odisha government planning to set up all-women court soon: Dy CM Pravati Parida

Procurement Rules Simplified

A Finance Department memorandum states procurement committees must review purchases of goods between Rs 25 lakh and Rs 10 crore, consultancy services between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 1 crore, and outsourcing contracts within the same range. Smaller procurements (goods up to Rs 25 lakh, services under Rs 5 lakh) bypass committees, needing only departmental secretary or HoD approval.

The policy also mandates preferences for local micro and small enterprises (MSMEs) in government purchases, guided by MSME Department guidelines.

Autonomy in Legal Expenditures

Administrative departments can now independently sanction funds for court decrees in land acquisition cases and arbitral awards linked to contracts, provided budgets permit, without prior Finance Department clearance.

ALSO READ: 118 Maoists killed in encounters with security forces in Odisha in 10 years: CM Mohan Majhi

Earlier Decision: Police Granted Magistrate Powers

Separately, on Friday, the state empowered Superintendents of Police (SPs), Deputy Inspectors General (DIGs), and Inspectors General (IGs) as special executive magistrates under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

The action empowers police to take swift action during crises, preventive arrests, or enforcement of prohibitory orders without relying on revenue officials.