Bhubaneswar: The 39th State Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved eight proposals from as many departments Wednesday.
In a major move to expand clean energy infrastructure, the Cabinet approved the Odisha City Gas Distribution Policy aimed at accelerating the rollout of PNG and CNG networks across the state, Chief Secretary Anu Garg said while briefing the media.
The policy seeks to streamline approvals, remove delays caused by multi-agency clearances and create a unified framework for faster implementation of gas projects.
Housing and Urban Development Department will serve as the nodal agency, supported by a state-level high-powered committee and district monitoring committees.
The Works Department received the Cabinet approval for the construction of a bridge over the Kathajodi River on the upstream side of the existing Subash Chandra Bose Setu, creating a direct link between Cuttack and Bhubaneswar.
The project, awarded to SPS Construction India Pvt. Ltd., will cost 158.88 crore excluding GST and is targeted for completion within 36 months.
The bridge is expected to reduce congestion on NH-16. The Cabinet also approved a proposal of Shree Ambica Cotspin Pvt. Ltd. to establish a yarn manufacturing unit in Bolangir with an investment of 124 crore.
The spinning unit is expected to generate direct employment for around 300 people and strengthen Odisha’s cotton-to-textile value chain by enabling local value addition.
The Cabinet approved the Odisha State Data Policy 2.0 to strengthen data-driven governance and digital transformation.
The policy provides a framework for secure and standardised data management, privacy-compliant data sharing and improved interoperability among government departments.
The Cabinet also approved amendments to the Indian Stamp Act, 1899, through an ordinance route to simplify apartment registrations.
Under the new provision, Associations of Allottees will pay a nominal 50,000 stamp duty for the transfer of common areas and facilities, replacing the earlier 5 per cent burden.
Buyers will now pay a uniform 5 per cent stamp duty at the time of apartment registration, replacing the earlier slab system of 3, 4 and 5 per cent.
Besides, the Cabinet approved amendments to Odisha Right to Public Services Rules, 2012, to introduce an auto-appeal mechanism.
Under the system, appeals or revisions for online service applications delayed beyond the prescribed timeline will be automatically forwarded to appellate or revisional authorities.
The Health and Family Welfare Department’s proposal for framing the Odisha State Allied and Healthcare Council Rules, 2026, was also approved under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.
The rules aim to regulate 56 allied and healthcare professions, standardise education and practice, maintain a digital register of professionals and introduce common entrance, counselling and licensing systems.
The Cabinet approved a proposal of the Commerce and Transport Department for the formulation of fresh service rules for the Transport-Traffic and Enforcement cadre.
The new rules, titled The Odisha Transport-Traffic and Enforcement (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2026, will replace the 2013 rules and all subsequent amendments.
