Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has allocated substantial funds in the budget for various departments, aiming to implement multiple schemes and accelerate development. However, many departments have failed to utilize the allocated budget properly.
As the financial year 2024-25 nears its end, a concerning picture emerges regarding government expenditure. According to data presented by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in the Assembly, several departments have lagged in spending their allocated funds.
As of January 31, 2025, 16 departments have not even spent 50 percent of their allocated budget.
Disaster Management Department Lags the Most
Odisha faces natural calamities almost every year, so the department responsible for disaster management should ideally be among the most active. However, it ranks lowest in fund utilization. Out of the Rs8,674.19 crore allocated, only Rs1,170.16 crore (13.49 percent) has been spent.
Similarly, the Sports & Youth Services Department received Rs1,253.23 crore, but by March 31, 2025, only Rs247.79 crore (19.77 percent) had been spent.
The Steel & Mines Department had a budget of Rs456.86 crore, but as of January-end, only Rs93.77 crore (20.52 percent) had been utilized.
Low Expenditure in Language, Literature & Culture
The BJP-led Odisha government, which campaigned on Odia identity, allocated ₹622.78 crore for the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department. However, as of January-end, only Rs 168.75 crore (27.10 percent) was spent.
Similarly, the Mission Shakti Department, which focuses on women’s empowerment, received **