In a landmark meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Odisha State Cabinet approved 13 key proposals aimed at accelerating urban development, enhancing emergency services, improving education access, and strengthening governance.
These decisions align with the state’s vision of a developed Odisha by 2036, focusing on infrastructure, economic growth, and public welfare.
Samruddha Sahar Yojana: Building Prosperous Cities
The flagship Samruddha Sahar Yojana received a significant boost with a budget allocation of ₹4,879.30 crore. This ambitious scheme aims to transform Odisha’s urban areas into economic hubs and centres of sustainable development. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, addressing a press conference post-Cabinet, emphasised that the initiative will drive planned urbanisation and balanced regional growth.
Of the total budget, ₹4,114 crore is earmarked for upgrading critical urban infrastructure, including roads, water supply, sewerage systems, and solid waste management. An additional ₹765.30 crore will focus on establishing cities as economic powerhouses through integrated economic clusters, industrial townships, and urban corridors. The scheme is expected to create jobs, attract private investment, and foster industrial expansion, positioning Odisha’s cities as engines of economic growth.
Dial-112: Strengthening Emergency Response
The Cabinet extended the Dial-112 Emergency Response System for five years (2025-26 to 2029-30), approving ₹2,260.89 crore to enhance its efficiency. This unified platform integrates police, ambulance, and fire services to provide swift assistance to citizens. The initiative includes the creation of 4,195 new posts and the procurement of 645 emergency response vehicles (ERVs) to ensure 24/7 service availability. This move underscores the government’s commitment to public safety and rapid crisis response.
New Police District in Rairangpur
To improve law enforcement in Mayurbhanj, the Cabinet approved the creation of a new police district in Rairangpur by bifurcating the existing Mayurbhanj police district. The new district will include two subdivisions—Rairangpur and Karanjia—covering 14 police stations, five outposts, and two beat houses. This restructuring aims to enhance administrative efficiency and public security in the region.
Free Hostel Facilities for Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Students
In a significant step toward equitable education, the Cabinet approved waiving the ₹2,000 monthly hostel fee for students in Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas (OAVs) and non-Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) hostels. This decision, benefiting over 45,000 students, will see the state government bear a financial burden of ₹349.20 crore over five years. The initiative includes approval for 314 girls’ and 314 boys’ hostels (100 seats each), with 173 girls’ hostels in educationally backwards blocks funded under the Samagra Shiksha scheme (60:40 Central-State ratio). This move aims to reduce financial barriers and ensure quality education for rural students.
State Law Commission Chairperson Benefits
The Cabinet also approved maintaining the existing allowances and service conditions for the State Law Commission Chairperson, applicable to retired Supreme Court judges, retired High Court Chief Justices, or retired High Court judges. This ensures continuity of benefits post-appointment, supporting effective leadership in the commission.
Odisha University (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025
To ensure administrative stability in Odisha’s universities, the Cabinet approved the Odisha University (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, enhancing the Governor’s powers in appointing Vice-Chancellors (VCs). The ordinance allows the Governor to appoint temporary VCs until regular appointments are made, addressing administrative challenges caused by expiring VC tenures. It also corrects typographical errors in the Odisha University Act, 1989, to streamline governance.
A Vision for a Developed Odisha
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja highlighted that these decisions reflect the government’s commitment to transforming Odisha into a developed state by 2036. From urban infrastructure to emergency services, education, and governance, the Cabinet’s approvals aim to create a sustainable, inclusive, and prosperous future for Odisha’s citizens.
