Bhubaneswar, 18th Aug 2025: The simplification of the MLA Local Area Development (MLALAD) guidelines aims to accelerate the execution of projects recommended by legislators. As per the new provisions, a work order must be issued within 30 days of an MLA’s recommendation. These revised guidelines are now more transparent, simple, and time-appropriate.
Citizens will be able to check from home through the portal which projects their MLA has recommended. As a result, legislators will not be able to mislead the public with false project promises.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday unveiled the simplified guidelines of MLALAD and CM-SA (Chief Minister’s Special Assistance) schemes at Lok Seva Bhawan. On this occasion, he also launched the MLALAD web portal (https://mlalads.odisha.gov.in). The launch was held in the presence of all cabinet colleagues before the start of the cabinet meeting.
According to the CM, the new guidelines will simplify administrative processes and help execute essential and small basic infrastructure works for the public quickly and transparently.
The revised guidelines emphasize taking up essential projects across different sectors while discarding unnecessary ones. From recommendation to final approval and work order, the entire process must be completed within 30 days. Similarly, the CM-SA guidelines have also been simplified to ensure faster implementation of projects.
Through the MLALAD portal, all steps—including project recommendation by MLAs, requirement assessment, planning and cost estimation, approval, work order issuance, monitoring, inspection, expenditure, and completion—will be carried out within the stipulated time. MLAs can monitor the real-time status of projects they recommend, and citizens can also access all related details through the portal. This ensures people can verify whether their MLA is fulfilling the promises made.
Notably, the MLALAD scheme began in 1997-98, with funds per constituency increasing from ₹5 lakh to ₹3 crore over the years. For the 2025-26 financial year, the allocation has been raised to ₹5 crore per constituency. Before simplifying the guidelines, inputs were taken from assembly committee members and MLAs, along with a study of MLALAD guidelines in neighboring states.
The event was attended by Deputy CMs Kanak Vardhan Singhdeo and Pravati Parida, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari, Development Commissioner Anu Garg (who gave the initial briefing), and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.