Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Monday approved a series of 12 significant proposals aimed at strengthening governance, expanding opportunities, improving public services and accelerating the state’s overall development.
Among the major decisions are the provision of free Wi-Fi facilities in 601 government and aided colleges, removal of the attempt limit for eligible candidates appearing in the Odisha Civil Services Examination, creation of new career progression opportunities in the Panchayat Executive Officers cadre, and major investments in irrigation and energy storage infrastructure.
The Cabinet approved the Odisha Shikshanet scheme with an outlay of Rs 393.62 crore to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity and up to 1 GB of daily data to students across 601 government and aided colleges.
It also approved amendments to facilitate the direct recruitment of 19 Assistant Town Planners through the Odisha Public Service Commission, with revised age and educational eligibility criteria.
In a decision concerning judicial officers, the Cabinet approved a structured programme under which trainee judicial officers will undergo one year of institutional training followed by one year of Law Clerkship.
The Panchayat Executive Officers cadre will also be restructured with a total of 3,294 posts, creating enhanced career progression opportunities while strengthening grassroots administration.
Another significant decision is the removal of the limit on the number of attempts for eligible candidates appearing in the Odisha Civil Services Examination.
In the energy sector, the Cabinet approved the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project at Ranibahal in Kalahandi district, with an estimated investment of ₹4,708.64 crore. The project is expected to strengthen the state’s energy storage capacity and improve grid stability.
The Cabinet also approved the Odisha Bovine Breeding (Regulation) Bill, 2026, to establish a regulatory framework for scientific breeding, quality assurance and traceability of breeding services, to improve livestock productivity.
To expand irrigation coverage in Nuapada district, seven mega lift irrigation schemes were approved at an execution cost of Rs 268.22 crore. The schemes are expected to create irrigation potential across 8,800 hectares, covering 59 villages.
In another water infrastructure initiative, the Cabinet approved an in-stream storage project near Patharla village in Balangir district at an estimated cost of Rs 99.99 crore. The project will ensure water supply to 12 villages and support local livelihoods.
The Cabinet also extended the deadline for replacing institutional dealers with private dealers under the Public Distribution System to September 30, 2027.
Approving the Food and Paddy Procurement Policy for Kharif Marketing Season 2026–27, the Cabinet set a target of procuring 53 lakh metric tonnes of rice, equivalent to approximately 78 lakh metric tonnes of paddy. Farmers will receive Rs 3,100 per quintal, inclusive of the Minimum Support Price and input assistance.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Kursud In-stream Storage Project on the Indra River in Balangir district at an estimated cost of Rs 81.36 crore. The project will benefit 17 drought-prone villages across Titilagarh and Bangomunda blocks.
