Governance / Odisha Govt Issues Strict Guidelines on Consultant Jobs

Bhubaneswar, Aug 22: The Odisha government has taken a firm stance on the long‑term engagement of consultants in state departments, issuing fresh guidelines through the Finance Department to regulate Project Management Units (PMUs), Technical Support Units (TSUs), and individual advisors, officials said on Saturday.

According to the directive, no PMU, TSU, or consultant can remain attached to a department for more than five years. Each contract must include a mandatory “sunset clause” to ensure that external agencies do not establish permanent presence within government offices. Similarly, individual consultants cannot continue in the same role or department for over five years.

The government has emphasized that departments should focus on strengthening their own workforce by enhancing skills, providing training, and grooming officers to eventually replace external consultants. To this end, it has mandated the deployment of regular government employees alongside consultants in every PMU or TSU. For instance, if a unit has five consultants, at least two government officers must work with them; if there are 5–10 consultants, four officers must be deputed; and if 10–15 consultants are engaged, six officers must be assigned. These officers will not be burdened with routine tasks but will be exclusively involved in project work.

Administrative accountability has also been tightened. At the state level, Secretaries, Additional Secretaries, or Joint Secretaries will oversee compliance, while at the district level, Additional District Magistrates, Sub‑Collectors, or BDOs will monitor implementation. Monthly performance reviews and quarterly departmental assessments will be conducted, with the Chief Secretary supervising adherence to the new framework.
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The guidelines are based on earlier SOPs that required prior approval of the Finance Department before releasing payments to PMUs, as well as recommendations of a high‑level committee chaired by the Chief Secretary. They also align with provisions of the Odisha General Financial Rules (OGFR‑2023).

Officials said the move reflects the government’s intent to ensure accountability, prevent over‑dependence on external consultants, and build a skilled cadre of officers capable of handling complex projects independently.