Odisha Cabinet Approves ‘Samruddha Sahar’ Scheme, Semiconductor Policy Boost, and Key Reforms in Higher Education Governance

Bhubaneswar: In a major move to accelerate Odisha’s urban transformation and strengthen its technological and educational landscape, the state Cabinet on Wednesday approved 13 key proposals across 11 departments during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Among the most prominent decisions was the green signal for the flagship ‘Samruddha Sahar’ scheme, a visionary initiative aimed at promoting planned urbanisation and balanced regional development as part of the Vikshit Odisha 2036 Vision. The scheme envisions transforming cities into engines of economic growth through modern urban planning, infrastructure development, and integrated growth clusters.

The Samruddha Sahar programme consists of two main components—Town Planning Schemes and Cities as Growth Hubs. The government plans to reorganise and consolidate peri-urban land for structured development with essential infrastructure including roads, water supply, sewerage systems, and solid waste management. With a financial outlay of ₹4,114 crore for town planning and ₹765.30 crore allocated for urban economic development, the total investment in the scheme stands at ₹4,879.30 crore.

The initiative will also enable the development of industrial townships and urban economic corridors, aligning state efforts with central schemes, enhancing regional mobility, and empowering planning bodies through better enforcement of master plans and comprehensive development plans (CDPs).

In another landmark decision, the Cabinet approved the Second Amendment to the Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy–2023, positioning Odisha as a strong contender in India’s semiconductor and electronics ecosystem. The amendment introduces 16 key reforms, including special incentives for early investors, enhanced performance-linked incentives (PLIs), relocation support, and support for semiconductor park developers.

The updated policy aims to meet evolving industry demands while aligning with the India Semiconductor Mission. It has already attracted investment proposals from companies such as RIR Power Electronics Ltd, SiCSem Pvt. Ltd., and Heterogeneous Integrated Packaging Systems Pvt. Ltd., signaling growing confidence in Odisha’s industrial policy and infrastructure.

Additionally, the Cabinet approved the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which seeks to strengthen the governance framework of public universities. The ordinance grants the Chancellor (Governor of Odisha) expanded authority in the appointment of Vice-Chancellors, ensuring continuity and administrative stability during transitions. The amendments also address typographical corrections in the existing Act and enable interim appointments where necessary to avoid academic disruptions.

Other notable proposals from departments including Energy, Finance, and Home were also approved during the Cabinet meeting, aimed at bolstering public administration and service delivery mechanisms across the state.

Together, these decisions reflect the Odisha government’s strategic focus on urban development, high-tech industry growth, and institutional reforms as it moves toward its 2036 vision of a developed and inclusive Odisha.