Digitizing urban wage employment through MUKTASoft in Odisha, India

• Jul 29, 2025
• 1 min

The Government of Odisha introduced the Mukhyamantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan (MUKTA)  program as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide urban wage employment through small-scale infrastructure projects. While the program addressed immediate livelihood needs, it encountered operational issues such as prolonged wage payment delays and weak project management systems, which affected timely execution and beneficiary satisfaction.

MSC worked with the government to design and implement a smart payment and project management solution called “MUKTASoft.” The solution was piloted across 23 urban local bodies to test its effectiveness. MUKTASoft digitized administrative processes, streamlined project workflows, and introduced automation in fund release and contract tracking. MSC ensured the system was aligned with government operations while providing real-time insights into fund utilization, project progress, and payment status.

The introduction of MUKTASoft reduced wage payment delays from 120 days to under 30 days, with a long-term target of achieving disbursal within seven days. The solution also eliminated idle float by enabling Just-in-Time fund transfers and improved financial control across urban local bodies. Enhanced visibility and digital records strengthened contract management and accountability. The success of the pilot highlighted how digital tools can improve efficiency, transparency, and impact in public financial management.

The Gates Foundation commissioned the project.