Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha and the Centre for Effective Governance of Indian States (CEGIS) have collaborated to launch a Decision Support System (DSS) aimed at enabling data-driven governance backed by analytical evidence. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the two entities, marking a significant step towards governance reforms in Odisha.
The MoU signing ceremony took place at the Chief Minister’s Conference Hall in Bhubaneswar, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo. He emphasised that this partnership is crucial for Odisha’s transformative journey, focusing on data, evidence, and outcomes at the heart of public service delivery. He highlighted the government’s dedication to serving the people and ensuring effective, efficient, and equitable public services.
Over the next five years, the partnership will provide technical and analytical support across departments, aiding policy decisions, optimising expenditure, and enhancing public service delivery. CEGIS Foundation, a non-profit organisation with over 150 professionals contributing to nation-building, has committed to a five-year partnership with a focus on institutionalising capacity building in Odisha.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja underscored the government’s commitment to delivering seamless public services, leveraging technology and training to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles. Development Commissioner Anu Garg emphasised the need for strong capacity building, hoping the partnership would help fulfil the government’s objectives.
The DSS is envisioned as a key tool for enabling data-driven governance, with CEGIS providing analytical support to augment the state’s revenue and analyse the efficiency of energy utilities. This partnership aligns with Odisha’s vision for 2036 and 2047, aiming to strengthen institutions and systems. The MoU was signed by Vineet Bharadwaj, Executive Director of the Centre for Modernising Government Initiative, on behalf of the Government of Odisha, and Dr. Vijay Pinage, CEO of CEGIS, on behalf of the CEGIS Foundation