Bhubaneswar, Sep 10: In a key move to streamline and accelerate developmental activities at the grassroots level, the Odisha Cabinet, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, today approved amendments to the Odisha Panchayat Samiti Accounting Procedure Rules, 2002. These revisions aim to cope with the increased flow of funds and the growing volume of projects being executed at the Panchayat Samiti level.
One of the major decisions involves raising the financial authority of Block Development Officers (BDOs). The power of BDOs to pass bills for Panchayat Samiti works has been increased from ₹2 lakh to ₹10 lakh, without the need for countersignature from the Chairman of the concerned Panchayat Samiti. This is expected to speed up bill processing and reduce administrative delays.
To further ensure the timely implementation of development schemes, the Cabinet has delegated the authority to accord administrative approval of plans and estimates to the CDO-cum-Executive Officer (EO) of Zilla Parishads. This move decentralizes decision-making and is intended to eliminate bottlenecks in the approval process.
The Cabinet also approved a comprehensive revision of technical sanction powers for various engineering officials involved in project execution. The updated limits are as follows:
General Developmental Schemes (Except MGNREGA):
MGNREGA Developmental Works:
The powers to accord administrative approval for developmental works have also been enhanced to align with the revised technical sanction limits:
General Developmental Schemes:
MGNREGA Schemes:
