Odisha Politics & Governance

Odisha Cabinet approves housing, tribal livelihood and irrigation measures

1 August 2026

Odisha’s Cabinet approved 11 proposals across six departments, including the PMAY-U BANDHU urban housing scheme, Mukhyamantri Janajati Jeevika Mission (MMJJM) 2.0 and an extension of the agricultural machinery subsidy scheme. PMAY-U BANDHU has a planned outlay of ₹1,615 crore; MMJJM 2.0 is planned for 2026–27 to 2030–31, with an outlay of ₹2,995 crore and a target of reaching eight lakh tribal and PVTG families in 19 districts.

The Cabinet also approved tenders for irrigation works under the Anandapur Barrage and Parbati Giri Mega Lift projects. The measures are approved schemes and planned works, not completed delivery.

Key Facts

• PMAY-U BANDHU is Odisha’s complementary state scheme to PMAY-Urban 2.0, extending housing assistance to eligible urban families.
• MMJJM 2.0 provides each eligible tribal household ₹30,000 through direct benefit transfer for livelihood development.

Odisha seeks pending Railway funding for nine overbridge projects

1 August 2026

Odisha’s Works Department asked the East Coast Railway and South Eastern Railway to release their pending shares for nine road overbridge projects under construction in the state. The projects are being implemented on a 50:50 cost-sharing basis between the state and the Railways; six fall under East Coast Railway and three under South Eastern Railway.

The department said delayed railway payments were slowing construction and delaying payments to contractors. A further 27 ROB projects were at the planning or design stage.

Key Facts

• Road overbridges reduce traffic disruption at railway crossings and improve road safety.

Odisha electoral-roll revision schedule extended

1 August 2026

The Election Commission of India revised the schedule for the Special Intensive Revision of Odisha’s electoral rolls. The deadline for filing claims and objections was extended to 19 August, while notices, application checks, hearings and resolution of claims and objections were scheduled to continue until 17 September.

The final electoral roll was scheduled for publication on 21 September 2026. The 1 July qualification date remained unchanged.

Key Facts

• Electoral rolls list eligible voters; in India, the ECI and state election authorities publish and update them.

Odisha receives ₹4,819 crore in additional tax devolution

2 August 2026

The Centre released an additional ₹1,09,019 crore to states through tax devolution, separate from the regular monthly instalment scheduled for 10 August. Odisha’s reported share of the additional release was ₹4,819 crore; the funds were described as support for state development and welfare spending.

Key Facts

• The Finance Commission recommends the distribution of Union tax proceeds between the Centre and states, alongside principles for state grants-in-aid.

President inaugurates Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack

3 August 2026

President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated Jagadguru Kripalu University in Cuttack. The university’s stated aims include combining Indian values with industry-linked, multidisciplinary higher education and promoting research, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Murmu stressed universities’ role in developing young people’s talents and providing value-based education. Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi attended the inauguration.

Key Facts

• The university’s stated educational model combines Indian values, industry connections and future-oriented multidisciplinary higher education.

Odisha Police and NFSU sign cyber-forensics training pact

4 August 2026

Odisha Police’s Crime Branch and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Bhubaneswar campus, signed a five-year memorandum of understanding to strengthen cooperation in cybercrime investigation and digital forensics. The first training programme was launched at the signing event.

The programme targets 480 personnel from 34 police districts and the Crime Branch in 16 batches by January 2027. The six-day course is planned to include classroom and laboratory training at NFSU and one day at the Cyber Complex.

Key Facts

• NFSU is a university dedicated to forensic science, investigative science and criminology, supporting its specialist role in police training.

Bhubaneswar hosts BRICS education meetings

5 August 2026

Bhubaneswar hosted the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting and the third BRICS Senior Officials’ Meeting during India’s 2026 BRICS presidency. Representatives arrived in the city on 5 August for a programme reported to run through 7 August.

The planned ministers’ discussions covered early-childhood education, skills development, research and innovation, start-up ecosystems, mutual recognition of qualifications and leadership capacity-building. The meetings were intended to shape cooperation under the BRICS education track.

Key Facts

• BRICS began as an informal diplomatic grouping ...