The Odisha State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, convened at Lok Seva Bhawan on November 9, 2026, approving 13 key proposals spanning 10 government departments.
Among the decisions are major policy initiatives in higher education, agriculture procurement, public distribution, and water resources management.
Free High-Speed Wi-Fi for Higher Education Institutions
In a major boost to digital education, the Cabinet approved the implementation of the flagship scheme “Odisha Shikshanet – Empowering Students through a Free Wi-Fi Internet Facility to all Colleges and Universities.” The initiative carries an outlay of Rs. 393.62 crore over a three-year period (FY 2026-27 to FY 2028-29).
Expanding upon Phase-I (which covered 130 colleges), Phase-II will bring high-speed internet to 601 Government and Aided Colleges across the state. Authenticated students will receive 1 GB of free daily high-speed data on campus to access e-books, virtual classrooms, SWAYAM courses, research databases, and administrative platforms like SAMS and scholarship portals. The scheme is projected to benefit over 6 lakh students and faculty members, bridging the digital divide in rural and remote regions.
Food & Paddy Procurement Policy for Kharif Marketing Season (KMS) 2026-27
The Cabinet cleared the Food and Paddy Procurement Policy for KMS 2026-27, aiming for a total procurement target of 53 LMT rice (equivalent to approximately 78 LMT paddy).
- Financial Assistance: Farmers will receive ₹3,100 per quintal in total, incorporating the Minimum Support Price (MSP) alongside Input Assistance.
- Direct Bank Transfer: Payments will be directly transferred to farmers’ Aadhaar-linked accounts within 24–48 hours via NPCI.
- Technology & Sharecroppers: The system integrates satellite imagery, Aadhaar e-KYC, and Digital Crop Survey (DCS) data for transparency, while extending structured registration to sharecroppers (Bhaga Chasi).
- Timeline: The Kharif procurement period will run from November 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027.
Extension of OPDS (Control) Order 2016 Clause 4(6)
To avoid potential disruption in the state’s Public Distribution System (PDS)—which operates through 11,706 Fair Price Shops across Odisha—the Cabinet approved an amendment to Clause 4(6) of the Odisha Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016. The deadline to replace private dealers (which currently make up 4,963 shops) with institutional dealers has been extended from September 30, 2026, to September 30, 2027.
In-Stream Water Storage Project in Balangir District
The Department of Water Resources received approval for a tender amounting to Rs. 99,99,99,999 (excl. GST) for constructing an in-stream storage structure across the Indra/Sundar river (a tributary of the Tel river) near Patharla village in Titilagarh block, Balangir district. Targeted for completion within 30 calendar months, the project will ensure sustainable domestic water supply to 12 villages in Titilagarh and Bangomunda blocks while augmenting groundwater and supporting animal husbandry and fisheries.
