Enhancing Fiscal Accountability: Mizoram’s 'One Department, One Bank' Reform

The Mizoram government has taken a significant step toward strengthening fiscal discipline and administrative transparency by implementing the 'One Department, One Bank' (ODOB) system. By mandating that each of the eight selected departments operate through a single designated bank account, the state aims to centralize financial oversight, reduce the fragmentation of public funds, and minimize the scope for financial irregularities. In the context of public administration, the management of government funds is a critical pillar of probity. Often, the proliferation of multiple bank accounts across various sub-departments leads to 'leakages,' delayed reconciliation, and a lack of real-time visibility into expenditure patterns. The ODOB model addresses these systemic challenges by simplifying the audit trail and ensuring that the flow of funds is traceable and accountable. This proactive measure aligns with the broader national agenda of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance,' where digital integration and simplified financial structures are used to curb corruption and enhance the efficiency of service delivery.