₹4,700-CR MEGA PUMPED STORAGE ENERGY PROJECT OKAYED; FREE COLLEGE WI-FI AND RADICAL CIVIL SERVICES REFORMS GREENLIT
BHUBANESWAR: In a landmark session chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Odisha Cabinet on Tuesday approved 13 high-impact proposals aimed at reshaping the state’s energy infrastructure, higher education digital landscape, agricultural procurement, and bureaucratic recruitment frameworks.
The multi-sectoral clearances mark one of the most aggressive administrative pushes by the Majhi administration toward modernization and student welfare.
Green Light for ₹4,708-Cr Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project
In a massive boost to Odisha’s renewable energy matrix, the Cabinet cleared the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project at Ranibahal in the Kalahandi district.
Estimated at a total cost of ₹4,708.64 crore, the project has earmarked ₹3,371.88 crore strictly for core construction operations. The venture will be executed by the state-owned Odisha Hydro Power Corporation Ltd (OHPC) in collaboration with Megha Engineering & Infrastructures Limited (MEIL) as the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor. Officials have set a strict completion deadline for the 2030–31 fiscal year.
Odisha Shikshanet’ to Connect 6 Lakh Students via Free Wi-Fi
Addressing the digital divide in higher education, the Cabinet unveiled Odisha Shikshanet, a comprehensive Free College Wi-Fi Scheme.
Backed by a financial outlay of ₹393.62 crore, the initiative will span three years from 2026–27 to 2028–29. The scheme guarantees high-speed campus Wi-Fi, capping daily usage at 1 GB of data per day per student. The rollout is set to blanket 601 government and aided colleges, directly empowering more than 6 lakh students across the state with digital learning resources.
ODISHA SHIKSHANET AT A GLANCE:
- Total Budget: ₹393.62 Crore
- Duration: 2026-27 to 2028-29
- Daily Cap: 1 GB data per student
- Coverage: 601 Govt & Aided Colleges
- Beneficiaries: 6+ Lakh Students
Age-Limit Only: OCS Exam Attempt Limits Abolished
In a relief to thousands of state bureaucracy aspirants, the Cabinet approved a historic amendment to the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) Recruitment Rules of 1991.
The state government has completely removed all restrictions on the number of attempts a candidate can take for the prestigious civil services examination. Under the revised framework, candidates are permitted to appear for the exam repeatedly, restricted only by the officially prescribed upper age limit for their respective categories.
Farmers Secured: Paddy MSP Fixed at ₹3,100 per Quintal
Turning its focus to the agrarian economy, the Cabinet finalized the Paddy Procurement Policy for the Kharif Marketing Season 2026–27.
The government has committed to procuring a minimum target of 78 lakh metric tonnes of paddy
. In a major financial victory for local farmers, the procurement price has been locked at ₹3,100 per quintal. To eliminate middlemen and ensure transparency, the state confirmed that all financial disbursements will be handled exclusively through Direct Bank Transfers (DBT) into the verified bank accounts of registered farmers.
