Odisha has taken a historic leap towards digital governance with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurating the state’s first-ever ‘Digital House’ under the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA). This landmark initiative transforms the Odisha Assembly into a paperless institution, enhancing transparency, efficiency, and environmental sustainability in legislative proceedings.
A New Era of Digital Governance
The ‘Digital House’, developed by the National Informatics Center (NIC), is a major step towards modernizing Odisha’s legislative system. Under this initiative, tablets have been installed for all 147 members of the Assembly, enabling them to access documents, participate in debates, and submit proposals digitally. This transition marks a significant shift towards efficiency and sustainability, reducing paper usage and making Assembly operations seamless.
Speaking at the inauguration, CM Majhi emphasized the significance of this initiative:
“Odisha Assembly is now part of the digital revolution in the country. It is a historic day for the state.”
He further stated that with this transformation, Odisha joins the ranks of a select few states in India that have adopted paperless legislative processes.
NeVA: Strengthening Transparency and Accountability
Odisha is now the 17th state to implement NeVA after Gujarat, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar (Council), Nagaland, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Mizoram, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu, Tripura, and Sikkim.
Speaker Surama Padhy hailed the initiative as a game-changer, saying:
“It’s a memorable day in the history of Odisha Assembly. The e-Vidhan Application will increase the efficiency of the House and its members.”
The transition to digital governance will streamline legislative work, making document management faster, reducing dependency on printed materials, and ensuring that critical information is readily available to all members.
A United Effort Towards Legislative Efficiency
The initiative has received support across party lines. Opposition Chief Whip Pramila Mallik welcomed the move, acknowledging its role in improving members’ efficiency. However, Congress Legislature Party leader Rama Chandra Kadam stressed the need for proper training, especially for the 84 newly elected MLAs, to ensure they can effectively utilize the new system.
All-Party Meeting Ahead of the Budget Session
Ahead of the budget session, Speaker Surama Padhy convened an all-party meeting to discuss strategies for smooth proceedings. The meeting was attended by:
✅ Chief Minister Mohan Majhi
✅ Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mukesh Mahaling
✅ Law Minister Prithviraj Harichandan
✅ Opposition leaders and senior members of various parties
This collaborative approach ensures that all voices are heard and that the transition to the digital Assembly is seamless.
Governor to Address Assembly; CM Majhi to Present the Budget
CM Majhi also met Governor Kambhampati Hari Babu at Raj Bhavan, inviting him to address the Assembly at the start of the budget session. This will be the Governor’s first address to the Odisha Assembly, marking another milestone in Odisha’s legislative history.
As per the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO):
“Chief Minister Shri @MohanMOdisha met Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati at Raj Bhavan. On this occasion, the Chief Minister discussed with the Governor the achievement of the goal of developing Odisha.”
Odisha’s Budget Session: Key Highlights
The budget session will be conducted in two phases:
📅 Phase 1: February 13 to 21
📅 Phase 2: March 7 to April 5
CM Mohan Majhi, who also holds the Finance portfolio, will present the full budget for 2025-26 on February 17. This will be his government’s first full-fledged budget, expected to focus on:
✅ Infrastructure development
✅ Youth employment programs
✅ Women’s empowerment initiatives
✅ Strengthening healthcare and education
✅ Promotion of Odisha’s cultural heritage
The Majhi Government’s Commitment to a Digital and Transparent Odisha
With the launch of the Digital House, CM Mohan Majhi has reinforced his government’s commitment to good governance, technological advancement, and transparency. This transformation is a testament to his vision of making Odisha a modern, efficient, and forward-thinking state.
By embracing digital governance, Odisha is not only saving resources but also enhancing legislative efficiency—ensuring that the government works faster, smarter, and more effectively for its people.
With CM Majhi at the helm, Odisha is truly stepping into a new era of digital democracy.
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