Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched OSWAN video conferencing facilities in 115 urban local bodies (ULBs), along with the PMAY-BANDHU initiative and the Odisha Yatri SOS App during the state-level celebration of Local Self-Government Day 2026 at OUAT Krushi Shiksha Sadan Monday.
Several initiatives were also launched during the state-level celebration to strengthen the capacity and functioning of urban local bodies (ULB’s).
Memorandums of Understanding were signed between the Odisha Urban Academy and Sri Sri University (SSU), the Indian School of Business and the National Institute of Urban Affairs for capacity building in municipal institutions.
Another MoU was signed between the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) and SSU.
Majhi thanked and congratulated employees of urban local bodies, Swachh Sathis, Jal Sathis, sanitation workers and CRUT personnel for their dedicated service.
During the programme, the CM interacted with Runu Pradhan, a Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana beneficiary from Phulbani Municipality, regarding the construction of her house and appreciated her for completing it within the stipulated timeframe.
Joining on the occasion, Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra said that the state government is giving equal importance not only to major cities but also to strengthening urban infrastructure in smaller NACs and municipal areas.
Mahapatra extended greetings on the occasion and said the government has taken significant steps to expand and strengthen urban governance after assuming office.
“28 new NACs and seven new municipalities have been constituted, while Puri has been granted the status of a Municipal Corporation,” the minister added.
The minister also appealed to people to contribute towards building a clean and drug-free Odisha.
Joining the celebration, Bhubaneswar Ekamra MLA Babu Singh said efforts should be made to develop Bhubaneswar into one of the best cities for education, healthcare and livelihood opportunities.
Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation Mayor Sulochana Das said several government schemes have been introduced for the welfare of urban residents and stressed that the development of cities would be possible only with the active cooperation of citizens.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg said the state has set a target of increasing urbanisation to 40 per cent by 2036 and 60 per cent by 2047.
H&UD department Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee delivered the welcome address, while Municipal Administration Director Arindam Dakua proposed the vote of thanks.
