Odisha Govt Flags Slow Plan Spending, Only 3.5% Utilised

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has expressed concern over sluggish plan expenditure in the first quarter of FY 2026–27, with only 3.5% of the annual outlay utilised by the end of May.

According to official data, departments together spent Rs 6,487 crore in the first two months, prompting the Planning & Convergence Department to demand detailed expenditure reports by June 30.

Flagship schemes across several departments showed negligible or zero utilisation, raising red flags for the state’s development agenda.

The Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water Department recorded just 1.03% utilisation, Water Resources 2.98%, Works 5.11%, and Housing & Urban Development 6.55%.

The government has directed departments to explain delays and submit action‑taken reports from earlier review meetings

A two‑day review, chaired by the Development Commissioner‑cum‑Additional Chief Secretary, is scheduled for July 9–10 to accelerate fund utilisation and ensure timely execution of projects.

Officials also noted poor spending under centrally sponsored schemes, underscoring the need for stronger monitoring and accountability mechanisms.