Odisha Digitises Urban Governance with Statewide Rollout of OSWAS

Bhubaneswar: In a major push towards digital governance, the Odisha government has successfully implemented the Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System (OSWAS) across all 115 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), marking a significant shift from traditional paper-based administration to a streamlined digital ecosystem. The initiative, led by the Housing & Urban Development Department, covers five Municipal Corporations,…

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Odisha Launches ‘Aarohan’ Initiative to Strengthen Early Childhood Education

Bhubaneswar: Marking the auspicious occasion of Maha Bishuba Sankranti and the Odia New Year, the Odisha government on Tuesday launched ‘Aarohan’, a new initiative aimed at strengthening early childhood education and ensuring a smooth academic transition for young learners. The programme was formally inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida at the ICWS campus in…

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Heritage Walk in Puri Showcases Pottery Traditions and Sacred Landmarks

Puri: Blending history, culture, and living traditions, the latest edition of the Puri Heritage Walks offered participants an immersive journey through the lesser-explored heritage landscape of the pilgrim town. The 20th edition of the walk brought together heritage enthusiasts to explore Kumharapada village and its deep-rooted connection with the rituals of Mahaprabhu Shri Jagannath. The…

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Odisha to Introduce ‘De-addiction Cess’, Revamp Excise Policy to Curb Alcohol Use

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is moving ahead with a revamped excise policy focused on discouraging alcohol consumption and tightening regulatory oversight, Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said on Monday. At a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhavan, the minister underlined that the state has no intention of increasing liquor outlets or boosting sales. Instead,…

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No Power Disconnections for Households in Odisha During Summer, Says Deputy CM

Bhubaneswar: With temperatures soaring across the state, the Odisha government has stepped in to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for households, directing power utilities not to disconnect domestic connections over unpaid bills during the summer months. The directive was issued by Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, who stated that the restriction on disconnections will…

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Odisha Implements New Reservation Law for University Faculty Recruitment

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has rolled out a new framework for faculty recruitment in state universities with the implementation of the Odisha State Public Universities (Reservation in Teachers’ Cadre) Act, 2026, following approval from Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati. The legislation, which was cleared by the Assembly on March 31 after detailed deliberations, is now in force across…

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Bhubaneswar Marks 78th Capital Foundation Day with Grand Celebrations

Bhubaneswar: The capital city of Bhubaneswar on Monday marked its 78th Foundation Day with a blend of tradition and civic pride, as celebrations unfolded across the city with ceremonial events, cultural activities, and a grand parade. Leading the celebrations, Surama Padhi attended as the chief guest, accompanied by Aparajita Sarangi, MLAs Ananta Narayan Jena and…

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Odisha Reviews Fuel Supply Amid Global Uncertainty, Assures No Shortage

Bhubaneswar: Amid concerns over global geo-political developments and their potential impact on energy supplies, the Odisha government on Friday conducted a high-level review to assess fuel availability and distribution across the state. The meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhawan, also included a session of the State Crisis Management Group to…

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Odisha Imposes Two-Month Fishing Ban to Protect Marine Life, Relief Announced for Fisherfolk

Bhubaneswar: In a seasonal conservation measure, the Odisha government has imposed a ban on sea fishing from April 15 to June 14 to safeguard marine life during the crucial breeding period. The restriction, enforced under the Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 1982, will impact thousands of fisherfolk along the state’s coastline, as they will not…

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