TNI Bureau: In a significant administrative reform, the Odisha government has dissolved the long-standing State Planning Board and replaced it with a new policy think tank, the State Institute for Transformative Initiatives (SITI-Odisha). The move marks the end of an institution that had shaped the state’s policy and development agenda for decades.

Modeled on the framework of NITI Aayog, the newly established SITI-Odisha aims to bring a more dynamic, evidence-based, and forward-looking approach to governance. The decision was formalized through a government resolution issued on April 17 by the Planning and Convergence Department.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the initiative is aligned with the state’s ambitious vision of achieving a “Prosperous Odisha” by 2036 and a “Developed Odisha” by 2047. The new institution is expected to play a central role in shaping strategic policies, strengthening data-driven planning, and accelerating overall development.

Structurally, the Chief Minister will serve as the Chairperson of SITI-Odisha. A Vice-Chairperson, to be appointed by the Chief Minister, will hold Cabinet rank. The council will also include four full-time expert members from priority sectors, each enjoying the status of Minister of State.

The Development Commissioner will function as the Member Secretary, while a senior IAS officer will be appointed as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Additionally, nine officials from various government departments will be part of the council, along with two distinguished experts from reputed institutions as special invitees.

With SITI-Odisha, the state government seeks to usher in a new era of policy innovation and administrative efficiency, aiming for a transformative shift in Odisha’s development trajectory.