Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday announced an Rs 883 crore urban development package and launched 593 projects across 62 urban local bodies (ULBs) during the state-level Local Self-Government Day celebrations in Bhubaneswar.
The announcements are aimed at strengthening civic infrastructure, improving urban services and supporting the development of newly created urban local bodies across the state.
Rs 560 Crore Allocated For 28 New NACs
A major portion of the package has been earmarked for 28 newly formed Notified Area Councils (NACs).
The government has allocated Rs 560 crore, with each NAC set to receive Rs 20 crore. The funds will be used to develop essential civic infrastructure, including roads, drainage systems, markets and other public facilities.
The allocation is expected to help the newly formed urban bodies establish basic infrastructure and improve civic amenities for residents.
593 Projects Worth Rs 323 Crore Launched
The Chief Minister also launched 593 projects worth Rs 323 crore under the Mukhya Mantri Shahari Vikash Yojana.
Of these, 423 projects worth Rs 102 crore were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for another 170 projects valued at Rs 221 crore.
The projects are expected to address infrastructure requirements across various urban local bodies and improve facilities available to residents.
CM Focuses On Jobs, Business And Education
Addressing the state-level event in Bhubaneswar, CM Majhi said urban development should go beyond providing housing and basic civic amenities.
He stressed the need to develop cities as places where people can find employment, establish businesses and pursue education.
The Chief Minister also directed municipal authorities to make civic services more accessible and use technology more effectively. Officials were asked to ensure that public complaints are addressed within a fixed timeframe.
Elected representatives were also urged to maintain regular contact with residents and coordinate with government officials to resolve problems at the local level.
New Digital And Housing Initiatives Launched
Several technology and public-service initiatives were also launched during the programme.
The government introduced OSWAN video-conferencing facilities in 115 ULBs, aimed at strengthening communication between urban local bodies and the state administration.
The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-BANDHU initiative and the Odisha Yatri SOS App were also launched as part of the government’s efforts to improve urban services and citizen support.
MoUs Signed For ULB Capacity Building
To strengthen the skills and institutional capacity of urban local bodies, the Odisha government signed MoUs with Sri Sri University, the Indian School of Business and the National Institute of Urban Affairs.
These collaborations are expected to support training and capacity building for officials and representatives working in urban local bodies.
An additional agreement was signed between CRUT and Sri Sri University, further expanding institutional cooperation in the urban development sector.
Odisha Expands Urban Local Governance
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said the state has created 28 new NACs and seven new municipalities as part of its urban expansion efforts.
He also announced that Puri has been granted municipal corporation status, marking another major development in Odisha’s urban governance structure.
With new urban bodies being created alongside investments in infrastructure, technology and capacity building, the government is seeking to strengthen civic administration and improve the quality of services available to people across Odisha’s growing urban centres.
