THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 22, 2026

In a sweeping reform drive aimed at transforming governance, boosting clean energy, and streamlining citizen services, the Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of key policy decisions spanning digital governance, urban energy infrastructure, healthcare regulation, public service delivery, housing reforms, and industrial development.

At the heart of the Cabinet’s decisions is the approval of the Odisha State Data Policy (OSDP) 2.0, a landmark initiative designed to institutionalise a robust data governance framework across departments. The policy seeks to standardise the entire data lifecycle — from creation and storage to processing, sharing, and disposal — ensuring secure, accountable, and efficient use of government data.

Aligned with national legal frameworks such as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act and the Information Technology Act, OSDP 2.0 introduces privacy-compliant data-sharing protocols and clearly defined institutional responsibilities. A multi-tier governance structure has been approved to operationalise the policy, including State Data Steering and Governance Committees at the apex level and a dedicated State Data Authority to oversee implementation. The Odisha Computer Application Centre (OCAC) will act as the nodal agency, while departmental committees will ensure compliance.

In a parallel push towards sustainable urban development, the Cabinet also cleared the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, aimed at accelerating the rollout of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure. The policy addresses long-standing bottlenecks such as fragmented approvals and lack of coordination by introducing a unified framework and streamlined processes.

The initiative is expected to promote cleaner fuel adoption across households, industries, and the transport sector, while also supporting compressed biogas (CBG) development under the Swachh Bharat Mission. With no financial burden on the state exchequer, the policy aims to attract private investment, create jobs, and improve ease of doing business. A one-time moratorium on approval fees for CGD projects has been announced until March 2027 to incentivise early adoption.

Strengthening the healthcare ecosystem, the Cabinet approved the Odisha State Allied and Healthcare Council Rules, 2026, bringing uniformity to education, training, and professional standards for allied healthcare professionals. The rules mandate the creation of a comprehensive online register and introduce uniform entrance and exit examinations for academic programmes, ensuring quality and accountability in the sector.

In a major citizen-centric reform, the Cabinet also approved amendments to the Odisha Right to Public Services Rules, 2012, introducing an Auto-Appeal System. This mechanism will automatically escalate cases where service delivery timelines are breached, ensuring faster grievance redressal and greater administrative accountability.

Relief for apartment owners came with the Cabinet’s decision to amend provisions under the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, significantly reducing the financial burden on Associations of Allottees. The stamp duty for transferring common areas has been slashed to a nominal ₹50,000, replacing the earlier 5% levy. Additionally, a uniform 5% stamp duty has been introduced for all apartment registrations, simplifying the process and enhancing transparency.

Boosting industrialisation in western Odisha, the Cabinet approved a ₹124 crore investment proposal by Shree Ambica Cotspin Pvt. Ltd. to establish a modern yarn manufacturing unit in Bolangir district. The project aims to strengthen the textile value chain by enabling local processing of cotton into yarn, a critical gap in the state’s industrial ecosystem. The unit is expected to generate around 300 direct jobs and promote a “farm-to-fabric” model, particularly benefiting the KBK region.

The decisions were taken during the 39th meeting of the Odisha State Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhavan on Wednesday. In total, eight proposals from key departments — including Electronics and IT, Housing and Urban Development, Industries, Health, and Revenue — were deliberated and approved.