---
title: "Mega Boost for Education & Infrastructure: Cabinet Clears ₹450-Cr Skill Initiative, Free Textbooks, and Astaranga Fishing Harbour Stage II"
url: https://mediathepower.com/mega-boost-for-education-infrastructure-cabinet-clears-%e2%82%b9450-cr-skill-initiative-free-textbooks-and-astaranga-fishing-harbour-stage-ii/
date: 2026-10-14
modified: 2026-10-14
lang: en
author: "Rajiv Singh"
description: "*From Classrooms to Coasts: State Greenlights 16 Mega Projects to Drive Education, Youth Upskilling, and Digital Safety BHUBANESWAR: In a major push for education, skill development, and infrastructure, the State..."
categories:
  - "News"
image: https://mediathepower.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/mohan-majhi.jpg
word_count: 307
---

# Mega Boost for Education & Infrastructure: Cabinet Clears ₹450-Cr Skill Initiative, Free Textbooks, and Astaranga Fishing Harbour Stage II

***From Classrooms to Coasts: State Greenlights 16 Mega Projects to Drive Education, Youth Upskilling, and Digital Safety**

**BHUBANESWAR:** In a major push for education, skill development, and infrastructure, the State Cabinet has officially approved **16 key proposals spanning 11 departments**.The sweeping decisions aim to boost rural economies, strengthen the education sector, and enhance the state's technological infrastructure.

Free Textbooks Approved for High School Students

In a landmark move for secondary education, the Cabinet approved a proposal to provide **free textbooks to Class IX and X students**. This welfare scheme will remain in effect for the next **five years**, significantly reducing the financial burden on families and promoting higher retention rates in government and aided schools.

₹450-Crore Skill Initiative to Empower Youth

To address unemployment and bridge the industry-ready skill gap, the state has greenlit the **Dakshyata Vikas Yojana**. Backed by a hefty budget of **₹450 crore**, this mega skill development scheme is designed to train and upskill thousands of youth across various sectors, preparing them for modern job markets.

Coastal Economy Boost: ₹133.81 Cr for Astaranga Fishing Harbour

The state’s maritime and fishing communities received a major boost with the approval of the **Astaranga Fishing Harbour Project Stage II**. With a sanctioned budget of **₹133.81 crore**, the modernization and expansion of the harbour are expected to increase fish landing capacities, improve hygienic handling, and elevate the livelihoods of local fishermen.

Keonjhar to Host New Disaster Recovery Data Center

Recognizing the critical importance of digital governance and data security, the Cabinet also cleared the establishment of a specialized **Disaster Recovery Data Center at Keonjhar**. This facility will ensure uninterrupted government digital services and safeguard critical state data in the event of natural disasters or cyber emergencies.

Other approved proposals include critical infrastructure upgrades and administrative reforms across various departments, signaling a comprehensive development push by the state government.