Odisha Cabinet Approves Key Initiatives for Youth Skills, 5G Infrastructure & Healthcare

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government approved 19 significant proposals during a state cabinet meeting on Friday.

One key initiative is the Nutana Unnata Abhilasha (NUA) Odisha scheme, with an allocation of Rs 385 crore, aimed at skill development for 1,00,000 youths annually over the next three years, covering all 30 districts. The scheme will leverage various institutions, including ITIs, Polytechnics, and government skilling centers, to provide reskilling and up-skilling opportunities in sectors like MSME, agriculture, and craft.

Additionally, the cabinet greenlit amendments to the Odisha Mobile Towers and Telecom Infrastructure Policy, designed to expedite 5G rollout, improve service quality, and address operational challenges. To enhance banking services in rural areas, the “CSP Plus” banking outlets plan was approved, targeting 4,373 unbanked gram panchayats with a budget of approximately Rs 500 crore, involving six public sector banks.

Another vital decision addresses the pressing issue of safe drinking water. The cabinet awarded the tender for four Mega Piped Water Supply Projects to M/S The Indian Hume Pipe Co. Ltd, Mumbai, totaling Rs 639,16,28,812.00. This project will benefit around 4,60,612 people in 498 villages across seven blocks in the Puri district, ensuring access to clean drinking water.

Furthermore, the government agreed to lease government land, totaling 48 acres 842 decimals, in Padanpur, Baratola, Bhimpur, and Belapada mouzas under Jatni tehsil of Khordha district to the National Institute of Science Education & Research (NISER) for a Cancer Hospital & Education Centre, facilitated by Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), on a free-of-charge basis. This move will contribute to improving healthcare infrastructure in the region.