THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, JANUARY 28, 2026

In a significant step towards strengthening grassroots governance and fiscal stability, the Sixth State Finance Commission (SFC) of Odisha on Wednesday submitted its final report to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, recommending the creation of a robust and equitable financial framework for local self-governments across the state.

The Commission, headed by former bureaucrat Dr Arun Kumar Panda, called on the Chief Minister along with members Prof Asit Ranjan Mohanty and Dr Bibhu Prasad Nayak, among others, to formally hand over the report. The panel had earlier presented the report to Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on January 21.

According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, the report places strong emphasis on reinforcing the fiscal foundations of local bodies through a predictable and formula-based system of devolution. It underlines the importance of equity, addressing regional disparities, and recognising the varied and differentiated needs of rural and urban local governments. Alongside financial recommendations, the Commission has also proposed several non-financial measures aimed at improving the overall functioning and development of local bodies.

The Sixth State Finance Commission was mandated to recommend the principles governing the distribution of net proceeds of state taxes, duties, tolls and fees between the state government and the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies. It was also tasked with suggesting the allocation of these resources among PRIs and ULBs, as well as measures required to strengthen their financial position and administrative capacity.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also launched the “SAMIKSHYA” portal, a digital platform designed to provide real-time information on the progress of projects funded under State Finance Commission and Central Finance Commission grants. These projects include key public infrastructure and civic amenities such as roads, drinking water supply, sanitation facilities, street lighting, parks and other public utilities. The portal allows citizens to track project implementation online through samikshya.odisha.gov.in, enhancing transparency and public accountability.

Presiding over the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to focus on improving Odisha’s economic indicators, transforming governance structures at the panchayat level, and enhancing the quality of life for people across rural and urban areas. He stressed the need for holistic development that upgrades conditions in every village and town, reiterating his vision of building a strong foundation for a prosperous and inclusive Odisha.

The Sixth State Finance Commission was constituted on January 22, 2025, and its recommendations are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of local governance and fiscal decentralisation in the state.