Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken another significant step towards strengthening digital governance, with the State Cabinet approving the implementation of OSWAS 3.0, the next-generation version of the Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System.
The initiative is aimed at accelerating the state’s transition from traditional paper-based administration to a fully digital and paperless office system. The upgraded platform is expected to improve the speed, security and efficiency of government decision-making while extending digital workflow systems across more levels of administration.
TCS Selected for OSWAS 3.0 Implementation
The State Cabinet on Wednesday approved the acceptance of a single bid submitted by Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) for implementing OSWAS 3.0.
The project has been approved at a negotiated cost of ₹1,22,60,25,436, excluding applicable taxes. The agreement will also include five years of support, allowing the government to maintain and upgrade the system after its implementation.
The move is expected to create a stronger technological foundation for handling government files, approvals, communication and administrative processes digitally.
OSWAS Expanded to Block and Tehsil Offices
OSWAS has been one of Odisha’s key digital governance initiatives, helping government departments streamline official workflows and reduce delays associated with conventional file movement.
The system has now been extended beyond the Secretariat to Block and Tehsil-level offices. This expansion is intended to enable government files and official processes to move digitally across different layers of administration.
The initiative is part of the state’s broader objective of establishing end-to-end digital file processing and institutionalising paperless working practices throughout the government machinery.
Major Expansion Under OSWAS 2.0
The government’s paperless office programme witnessed significant expansion during 2025-26, when OSWAS 2.0 was extended to block-level offices.
According to the government, the number of offices covered by the system increased by 638%, while the number of users rose by 247% during the period.
The sharp growth indicates the increasing adoption of digital workflow systems across Odisha’s administrative network and has created the foundation for the next phase of the programme.
OSWAS 3.0 to Use AI and Modern Technology
The upcoming OSWAS 3.0 is expected to go beyond basic digitisation by incorporating a modern microservices-based architecture.
The new system will also use advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, with the government aiming to make administrative processes more scalable, secure and interoperable.
The upgraded architecture is expected to help government offices manage increasing volumes of digital information while improving communication and coordination between different departments and administrative units.
Focus on Faster and More Efficient Governance
The implementation of OSWAS 3.0 is expected to strengthen Odisha’s digital governance ecosystem by reducing dependence on physical files and manual processes.
A paperless workflow can help officials track files more efficiently, reduce administrative delays and improve transparency in the movement and processing of government documents.
By extending the system to offices at the grassroots level, the government also aims to ensure that the benefits of digital administration reach deeper into Odisha’s administrative structure.
Odisha Pushes Digital Transformation
The approval of OSWAS 3.0 marks another major milestone in Odisha’s ongoing digital transformation.
With AI-enabled technology, modern software architecture and wider administrative coverage, the upgraded system is expected to play an important role in creating a more responsive and technology-driven government.
The five-year support component approved along with the project is also expected to help ensure the system remains operational, secure and adaptable as the state’s digital governance requirements evolve.
