Odisha Cabinet Approves ₹4,879 Crore ‘Samrudha Sahar’ Scheme for Planned Urbanisation, Boosts Semiconductor Policy
Bhubaneswar: In a landmark move to reshape Odisha’s urban and industrial future, the Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved a series of transformative proposals, including the ambitious ‘Samrudha Sahar’ scheme, aimed at promoting planned urbanisation and balanced regional development.
Chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Cabinet cleared 13 proposals from 11 different departments, with the flagship Samrudha Sahar initiative at the center of the agenda.
Samrudha Sahar: Driving Odisha's Vikshit Vision 2036
The Samrudha Sahar scheme — translating to “Prosperous City” — is a comprehensive programme under the Housing and Urban Development Department, designed to align with the state’s Vision 2036 for a Developed Odisha.
According to the official statement, the scheme focuses on:
- Planned urbanisation in peri-urban areas
- Creation of economic growth hubs
- Strengthening regional connectivity and urban infrastructure
With a total outlay of ₹4,879.30 crore, the scheme consists of two major components:
-
Town Planning Scheme (TPS)
TPS aims to reorganise and consolidate land in peri-urban areas, enabling sustainable infrastructure development. This includes:- Road networks
- Water supply systems
- Sewerage and drainage
- Solid waste management
₹4,114 crore has been allocated for this component.
-
Cities as Growth Hubs
With an investment of ₹765.30 crore, this part focuses on:- Creating integrated economic clusters
- Developing industrial townships
- Strengthening urban corridors and regional mobility
- Enforcing statutory Master Plans and Comprehensive Development Plans (CDPs)
Officials said this scheme would empower urban local bodies, ensure alignment with central schemes, and facilitate economic transformation across cities in Odisha.
“Samrudha Sahar will turn Odisha’s cities into economic powerhouses and enable holistic, equitable urban growth,” said a senior official.
Semiconductor Push: Odisha Revises Policy to Attract High-Tech Investment
In another major decision, the Cabinet approved the Second Amendment to the Odisha Semiconductor Manufacturing and Fabless Policy-2023, aimed at positioning the state as a semiconductor hub of India.
The revised policy includes:
- Enhanced fiscal incentives
- Relaxed land and infrastructure norms
- Tailored support for fabless semiconductor companies
- Reforms based on industry feedback and global trends
This amendment introduces 16 major changes, designed to improve competitiveness, sustainability, and investor confidence in the capital-intensive, high-tech semiconductor sector.
The policy has already attracted investment proposals from:
- RIR Power Electronics Ltd
- SiCSem Pvt. Ltd.
- Heterogeneous Integrated Packaging Systems Pvt. Ltd.
Officials confirmed that several more companies have expressed interest, aligning with the India Semiconductor Mission and national digital infrastructure goals.
“This proactive amendment ensures Odisha remains ahead in the global semiconductor race,” said a top bureaucrat.
University Governance Reform: Chancellor’s Role Enhanced
The Cabinet also approved the Odisha Universities (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which enhances the Chancellor’s jurisdiction — currently held by the Governor of Odisha — regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors in state-run universities.
The ordinance seeks to streamline higher education governance under the Odisha Universities Act, 1989, improving transparency and accountability in leadership selection.
“The amendment will strengthen the academic ecosystem and raise institutional efficiency,” the Cabinet noted in its official briefing.
Other Major Cabinet Approvals
In addition to urban and industrial development reforms, the Cabinet cleared key proposals from departments such as:
- Energy: New infrastructure and transmission projects
- Home: Law and order measures for enhanced public safety
- Finance: Budget realignments for sectoral efficiency
These multi-sectoral approvals underscore the state government’s commitment to infrastructure modernisation, economic diversification, and good governance.
Key Highlights at a Glance:
| Initiative | Budget | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| Samrudha Sahar Scheme | ₹4,879.30 crore | Planned urbanisation and economic hubs |
| Town Planning Scheme | ₹4,114 crore | Land consolidation and infrastructure |
| Cities as Growth Hubs | ₹765.30 crore | Industrial townships and regional corridors |
| Semiconductor Policy 2.0 | Incentive package (Undisclosed) | Boosting high-tech manufacturing |
| Universities Ordinance | – | VC appointment reform by Governor |
What It Means for Odisha
With the latest approvals, the Mohan Majhi-led government has signaled a robust commitment to infrastructure-led growth, technology-driven development, and urban governance reform.
The Samrudha Sahar scheme is expected to transform Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities, while the revised semiconductor policy aims to make Odisha a future-ready tech economy. Educational reforms, meanwhile, seek to ensure academic excellence in public universities.
Together, these initiatives are being seen as critical steps toward achieving the state's Vikshit Odisha 2036 vision.