More power to ministers

Ahead of the celebrations of its first anniversary, the Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP government in the state has restructured the Cabinet meeting protocols, giving more powers to ministers and significantly curtailing powers of secretaries in the respective departments. Experts say the move has signalled the end of bureaucratic supremacy in governance which the state had witnessed during the over two-decades rule by the BJD dispensation wherein secretaries took centre stage in policy decisions. The corridors of power had then shifted from the Cabinet to a cabal of favoured bureaucrats, infamously referred to as the 3rd floor. By restoring the mandate and powers of the people’s representatives, the Majhi government has not only aimed at upholding the norms of democracy, but also made the ministers more responsible and responsive.

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In a significant move, the Odisha government has curbed the powers of senior bureaucrats, particularly secretaries, in the functioning of Cabinet meetings. As per the new rules

secretaries will no longer be allowed to sit in the Cabinet room during meetings. Only ministers will be permitted to present proposals related to their respective departments.

The government has also introduced a structured time-line for Cabinet proceedings. Accordingly, the meeting date must be finalised five days in advance, with the agenda finalised three days earlier. Relevant files are to reach the concerned ministers at least two days prior to the meeting. A directive outlining these new protocols has been issued to all departmental secretaries by the Parliamentary Affairs department.