The Odisha Cabinet, under the chairmanship of CM Mohan Charan Majhi, approved seven key proposals from six departments to improve public infrastructure and services on Wednesday, August 13.

The Chief Minister’s office, in a post on X, said that one proposal from the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, one from the Cooperation Department, one from the Finance Department, two from the Housing and Urban Development Department, one from the Commerce and Transport Department, and one from the Health and Family Welfare Department were approved in the cabinet meeting on Wednesday.

Odisha Cabinet Decision Today: Key highlights

Development of 38 mandis in Odisha

In a significant decision, the state Cabinet approved the proposal of the Odisha Cooperation department regarding the setting up of “Model Mandi” across the state.

These Model Mandis are designed to provide seamless and efficient platforms for farmers, traders and other stakeholders by integrating all essential marketing activities under one roof, with upgraded infrastructure and digital systems.

“The main objective of the scheme is to develop an efficient agri-marketing ecosystem by providing integrated and modern agri-marketing infrastructure, promoting transparency in agricultural trade, facilitating direct market linkages, utilising updated technological know-how, so that ultimately, farmers can fetch better prices for their produce,” government sources said.

These model mandis will have modern storage space, raised concrete drying platforms, cover sheds, quality testing kiosks, cooling chambers, farmers’ rest-sheds, clean toilets, separate facilities for women farmers, eateries/canteens, vending zones, bank branches and ATMs, proper vehicle parking space, electronic weigh bridges, retail outlets relevant to the farming community waste disposal facility, etc.

The state Cabinet has decided to develop 38 mandis across all the 30 districts of the state as model mandis in the first phase to ensure fair prices for farmers’ produce and provide better facilities. The 38 proposed model mandis include 14 large, 17 medium and seven small mandis.

Another 62 mandis will be developed as model mandis and the process of identification has already started.

“These model mandis will be developed by Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Ltd. (OBCC). Odisha State Agricultural Marketing Board (OSAM Board) will monitor the progress by establishing a Project Monitoring Cell and obtaining services of any professional agency, if required,” government sources added.

World-class MRO facility in Bhubaneswar airport

The Odisha Cabinet approved the establishment of a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA) in Bhubaneswar. This is significant as the move will position Odisha as a key hub for aviation services in the region.

According to an official statement issued by the Odisha government, “this will be the first major MRO facility in eastern India and a key milestone under the Odisha government’s vision to strengthen civil aviation infrastructure through the B-MAAN (Building Management of Aviation Assets and Network) scheme.”

A special package of additional incentives — over and above the provisions under the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR), 2022, to attract private sector participation in the capital-intensive MRO sector was also approved by the Odisha government.

“Following a rigorous evaluation process, M/s Air Works India (Engineering) Private Limited, India’s oldest and largest third-party MRO provider, has been selected as the anchor investor to establish and operate the facility. The Commerce and Transport Department will oversee the implementation, while the High-Power Committee on Aviation will facilitate project rollout and monitoring,” the government said.

Highlighting the future prospects of the MRO industry, the state government noted that the exponential rise in the aviation sector presents a strong case for the development of the MRO industry.

The NITI Aayog report mentions that the MRO industry in India is expected to reach $4 billion by 2031, at a compound annual growth rate of 8.9 per cent.

LED public street lighting project in 110 ULBs

The state Cabinet also approved the sanction for funding of the implementation of LED public street lighting project in 110 Urban Local Bodies in Odisha at a cost of Rs 350 crore from the Odisha Urban Infrastructure Development Fund.

24×7 drinking water supply project in Sambalpur city

In a major urban development initiative, the state Cabinet decided to ensure 24×7 water supply and enhance the capacity of water purification centers in Sambalpur district for the next 5 years. The plan is expected to ensure consistent and clean water access to residents.

Formulation of Odisha Nursing Education Service Rules 2025

The Odisha Cabinet approved framing of “Odisha Nursing Education Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2025”, marking a significant step towards strengthening of nursing education and recruitment in the state.

The new rules will help address a long-standing issue of delayed appointments and promotions, which has affected the quality of nursing education. With these regulations, the government can establish clear recruitment procedures for roles like tutors, define promotion criteria for senior positions, and regularize existing appointments.

This move is expected to fill current vacancies and create a clear career path for faculty, ultimately improving the quality of nursing education and healthcare services across Odisha. The state currently has eight government nursing colleges and 21 ANM training centers, with seven more nursing colleges under development.