Bhubaneswar, Jul 2: In a bold move to enhance transparency and efficiency in public works, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered a detailed investigation into the extensive outsourcing practices adopted by the previous government, led by Naveen Patnaik.

The directive comes amid growing concerns that thousands of crores of rupees were funnelled to private agencies for tasks that could have been executed by in-house government engineers.

Former Deputy Speaker Rama Chandra Panda welcomed the Chief Minister’s decision, calling it a “commendable step” toward restoring accountability in governance. He emphasized that Odisha possesses a robust pool of skilled engineers and technical experts, making the reliance on outsourcing both unnecessary and financially wasteful.

Panda criticized the previous BJD-led administration for allegedly sidelining government machinery in favour of private consultancies. “Despite having capable engineers, the government continued to outsource DPRs (Detailed Project Reports) and major infrastructure projects to external agencies, many of which were based outside Odisha,” he said.

The CM’s directive includes a review of outsourcing contracts across all departments, particularly in engineering sectors like Water Resources, Works, and Rural Development. The goal is to identify which agencies were awarded contracts, the financial implications, and whether the outsourcing was justified.

Panda further urged the government to halt outsourcing across all departments and ensure that Odisha’s funds remain within the state. “Let Odisha’s money benefit Odisha’s people,” he asserted.

The move is seen as part of a broader effort by the Majhi government to dismantle what some officials have termed the “Pandian-style” administrative model, referring to the influence of former 5T Chairman VK Pandian during the previous regime.

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