Odisha Replaces Defunct Planning Board with NITI Aayog-style SITI Think Tank
The Odisha government has established the State Institute for Transformative Initiatives (SITI), a new policy research and strategic advisory body, to replace the dissolved State Planning Board. The Planning Board, once the state's highest planning authority, had become virtually defunct under the previous BJD regime, with its last meeting held in October 2007 before its formal dissolution in July 2024. Modeled after the central government's NITI Aayog, SITI aims to provide a forward-looking framework focused on strategic policy thinking, innovation, and measurable outcomes. The new institution will guide the state on six key themes: economy and finance, rural livelihoods, employment and urban development, ideation and innovation, energy transition, and natural resources. SITI will be led by a Governing Council chaired by the Chief Minister, featuring a Vice-Chairperson with Cabinet minister rank, four full-time members, and ex-officio representatives. Additionally, a State Monitoring & Evaluation Office (SMEO) will operate under SITI to ensure evidence-driven governance. This restructuring aligns with the state's 'Samrudha Odisha 2036' vision and the national 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goal, marking a significant shift in Odisha's administrative approach to development and policy formulation.
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Odisha Replaces Defunct Planning Board with NITI Aayog-style SITI Think Tank
The Odisha government has established the State Institute for Transformative Initiatives (SITI), a new policy research and strategic advisory body, to replace the dissolved State Planning Board. The Planning Board, once the state's highest planning authority, had become virtually defunct under the previous BJD regime, with its last meeting held in October 2007 before its formal dissolution in July 2024. Modeled after the central government's NITI Aayog, SITI aims to provide a forward-looking framework focused on strategic policy thinking, innovation, and measurable outcomes. The new institution will guide the state on six key themes: economy and finance, rural livelihoods, employment and urban development, ideation and innovation, energy transition, and natural resources. SITI will be led by a Governing Council chaired by the Chief Minister, featuring a Vice-Chairperson with Cabinet minister rank, four full-time members, and ex-officio representatives. Additionally, a State Monitoring & Evaluation Office (SMEO) will operate under SITI to ensure evidence-driven governance. This restructuring aligns with the state's 'Samrudha Odisha 2036' vision and the national 'Viksit Bharat 2047' goal, marking a significant shift in Odisha's administrative approach to development and policy formulation.
The Indian Express