Odisha to set up new advisory council to guide state policy

Odisha’s state government said on Friday^[2] that it will create a new advisory body to guide policy decisions.

The move matters because the council is expected to shape development projects and improve the quality of government decisions, a priority for a state that seeks faster economic growth and better public services.

The name of the body is reported differently by the two sources. The Hindu said it was “SITI Odisha,” a think tank for the state government^[1], while MSN said the same entity was the “Chief Minister’s Economic Advisory Council”^[2]. Both reports agree that the council will advise the chief minister and senior officials.

According to the state budget announcement, the council’s mandate is to enhance policy‑making, support development initiatives, and provide strategic advice to the government^[1]. Officials said the body will bring together experts from academia, industry, and civil society to offer evidence‑based recommendations.

The council is likely to operate as a think tank—drawing on research, data analysis and comparative studies to inform state policies. Its members are expected to serve on a rotating basis, ensuring fresh perspectives while maintaining continuity.

Implementation details were not disclosed, but the government said the council will be constituted within weeks and will begin its work in the upcoming fiscal quarter. Stakeholders said the advisory body could become a model for other Indian states seeking to modernize their policy frameworks.

**What this means** The creation of an expert advisory council signals Odisha’s intent to base decisions on research and specialist input rather than solely on political considerations. If the council functions as described, it could improve the design and execution of development programs, potentially accelerating growth and raising public‑service standards across the state.