Odisha's Ambitious 'Samrudha Sahar' Initiative: A Leap Towards Urban Development

New Urban Development Scheme Unveiled

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched 'Samrudha Sahar', a new initiative focused on fostering organized urbanization and equitable regional growth throughout the state.

During a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, this scheme was officially approved, along with an additional twelve proposals, as stated by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja.

With a financial commitment of Rs 4,879.30 crore, this initiative represents a crucial advancement towards Odisha's ambition of achieving developed status by 2036, according to Ahuja.

The scheme aims to enhance urban infrastructure and governance while generating new job opportunities, attracting private investments, and facilitating industrial growth.

Aligned with the Vikshit Odisha 2036 vision, the initiative seeks to transform urban areas into vibrant economic hubs.

The scheme consists of two primary components: the Town Planning Scheme and the Cities as Growth Hubs.

The Town Planning Scheme, with an allocation of Rs 4,114 crore, is anticipated to improve land and asset management while encouraging sustainable development.

The second component, which has an investment of Rs 765.30 crore, is designed to establish urban centers as focal points for economic transformation.

Additionally, the cabinet has approved a second amendment to the Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy-2023.

This amendment introduces a comprehensive set of incentives and refined guidelines to bolster the feasibility and sustainability of semiconductor projects in this capital-intensive, high-tech sector.

Moreover, the government has sanctioned a proposal to waive fees for approximately 45,000 residents across 455 hostels (141 for girls and 314 for boys) in Odisha Adarsha Vidyalayas.

Currently, students are charged Rs 2,000 monthly for hostel accommodation, with the total financial impact of this proposal estimated at Rs 349.20 crore over five years (from April 2025 to March 2030).

The government has also decided to split the existing Mayurbhanj Police District, establishing a new police district headquartered in Rairangpur to enhance policing and public service efficiency.

Furthermore, the cabinet has approved the extension of the 'Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) (DIAL-112)' scheme for the period from 2025-26 to 2029-30, with a total budget of Rs 2,260.89 crore.

Lastly, the state government has given the green light for the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which allows the Chancellor (governor) to appoint an interim vice-chancellor for state universities until a permanent appointment is made.