THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 12, 2026

In a major push towards transforming governance through technology, the Odisha government on Wednesday approved the implementation of OSWAS 3.0, the next-generation digital file management platform designed to take the state's paperless office initiative to a new level with artificial intelligence and a modern microservices-based architecture.

The state Cabinet approved the acceptance of a single bid submitted by TCS Ltd for implementation of OSWAS 3.0 at a negotiated cost of ₹1,22,60,25,436, excluding taxes, with five years of support. The decision is expected to give further momentum to Odisha's efforts to establish an end-to-end digital ecosystem for government file processing and improve the speed, transparency and accountability of administrative functioning.

OSWAS, the flagship project of the Odisha government, has already played a key role in enabling timely and informed decision-making by reducing procedural and administrative delays. The system has now been extended to Block and Tehsil-level offices, strengthening the state's drive towards institutionalising paperless office operations across the government machinery.

The expansion of OSWAS 2.0 during 2025-26 marked a significant widening of the digital governance network, particularly with its extension to block-level offices. According to the government, the number of offices covered by the system increased by 638 per cent, while the number of users rose by 247 per cent during the year.

With the existing contract with TCS having expired, the state government decided to develop a next-generation OSWAS platform, re-engineered around a modern microservices-based architecture and equipped with advanced AI capabilities. The new system is aimed at improving scalability, security, interoperability and the overall effectiveness of governance delivery.

For selection of the new system developer, the government floated a tender through the eNivida portal in accordance with procurement guidelines. TCS emerged as the sole bidder. Following evaluation of its bid under the Odisha General Financial Rules and subsequent negotiations, the company agreed to the final negotiated price of ₹1,22,60,25,436, excluding taxes, for implementation of OSWAS 3.0 along with five years of support.