The 21st meeting of the Odisha Cabinet was held today at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
The meeting saw the presentation of five proposals, out of which four proposals from four different departments were discussed and approved.
Following the meeting, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja briefed the media about the decisions taken during the cabinet session.
1. Irrigation Boost: Chheligada Multipurpose Medium Irrigation Project
The Chheligada Irrigation Project, located in R. Udaygiri block of Gajapati district, will feature a 266-meter concrete dam on the Badajore River, a tributary of Vansadhara. It includes a central spillway with seven radial gates(12m x 6m).
The approved tender, valued at ₹151.78 crore, sets an ambitious deadline of 18 months for completion. The project aims to irrigate 6260 hectares across Gajapati and Ganjam districts, improve drinking water supply for Berhampur town, boost fishery and livestock farming, and contribute to groundwater replenishment. Additionally, it will generate 36 MW of hydroelectric power, strengthening Odisha’s energy sector.
2. Urban Transformation: Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana (MSBY)
The Cabinet has also launched the Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana (MSBY), aimed at revamping urban infrastructure and employment opportunities. Key projects include:
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Revenue-generating infrastructure such as market complexes, vending zones, parks, mini cold storage, and EV charging stations.
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Environmental initiatives, with 5000 afforestation projects and rainwater harvesting structures.
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Employment generation, with over 5 lakh skilled and unskilled labourers set to benefit.
The ₹6000 crore scheme will run from 2025-2030, with ₹1100 crore allocated for FY 2025-26.
3. Biotechnology Push: ₹1113.50 Crore Scheme
Recognising the state’s potential in biotechnology, the Odisha Cabinet has approved the Development of Biotechnology Scheme, aimed at fostering academic excellence, innovation, incubation, and commercialisation.
Key objectives include:
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Higher education and research funding in biotechnology.
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Ecosystem development for startups and industries through innovation hubs.
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Realigning workforce training to match industry needs.
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Commercialisation of biotechnology products and monetisation of intellectual property.
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Socio-economic growth through breakthrough biotechnology applications in agriculture, medicine, and industry.
Implementation will span 2025-2030, reinforcing Odisha’s ambitions of becoming a knowledge-driven bio-economy.
4. Additional Land Allocation for Narcotics Control Bureau
The Cabinet has exempted ₹2.60 crore in land premium for government revenue plot No. 4 in Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar, facilitating the construction of a new Narcotics Control Bureau building.
With a combined budget exceeding ₹8000 crore, these initiatives will enhance irrigation, urban infrastructure, biotechnology research, and revenue generation, aligning with Odisha’s Viksit Odisha @ 2036 vision.
