Bhubaneswar, 18 April (H.S.): The Odisha government has announced plans to establish the State Institute for Transformative Initiatives (SITI Odisha), which will function as the apex policy research and strategic advisory body of the state.

According to a resolution issued by the Planning and Convergence Department, SITI Odisha will act as a think tank to support the government’s long-term development vision aligned with “Samrudha Odisha 2036” and “Viksit Bharat 2047.”

The move comes after the dissolution of the State Planning Board on July 18, 2024, as the government shifts away from conventional planning mechanisms. The new institution is expected to adopt a forward-looking approach based on strategic policy thinking, innovation, cooperative federalism, and measurable outcomes.

SITI Odisha will provide guidance across key thematic areas, including economy and finance, rural economy and livelihoods, employment and urban development, ideation and innovation, energy transition, and environment, forests, mining, and natural resources—reflecting the state’s core development priorities.

The institute will be governed by a Governing Council headed by the Chief Minister as Chairperson. The council will also include a Vice-Chairperson, four full-time members, nine ex-officio members, and two special invitees. It will meet at least once a year to review and guide the functioning of the body.

As per the proposed structure, the Vice-Chairperson will hold the rank of a Cabinet Minister, while the full-time members—experts in priority sectors—will be appointed with the rank of Ministers of State. The Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary will serve as Member Secretary. A Chief Executive Officer (CEO), in the rank of Principal Secretary or Commissioner-cum-Secretary (IAS), will also be appointed for a fixed tenure.

The institute will be supported by a Programme Director, a multidisciplinary Project Implementation Unit (PIU), and an administrative wing. Additionally, a State Monitoring and Evaluation Office (SMEO) will function under SITI Odisha as the nodal body for evidence-based governance.

SITI Odisha will operate under the administrative control of the Planning and Convergence Department and is expected to play a key role in shaping the state’s policy framework and development trajectory.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda