Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: Odisha government has initiated steps for the construction of a new state secretariat building in Bhubaneswar, informed Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan during the Assembly session on Saturday.

The Minister said the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) has been directed to prepare the master plan for the new Lok Seva building in the State Capital.

A Vision for Modern Governance
The proposed secretariat is expected to serve as a central administrative hub, housing key departments and facilitating better coordination among government offices. Minister Harichandan stated that preliminary planning and site identification are underway, and the project will be executed in phases with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and digital integration.

The new building aims to replace the aging infrastructure of the existing secretariat, which has long been considered inadequate to meet the demands of a growing state bureaucracy. The government envisions a modern facility equipped with smart technologies, energy-efficient systems, and improved public interface mechanisms.

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Political and Public Response
The announcement has drawn attention from both ruling and opposition members, with many welcoming the move as a long-overdue upgrade. Some legislators emphasized the need for transparency in planning and execution, ensuring that the project reflects Odisha’s cultural identity while meeting global standards.

The new secretariat is also expected to improve working conditions for thousands of government employees and enhance service delivery to citizens. While no timeline or budget details were disclosed during the session, officials hinted that the project would be prioritized in upcoming development plans.