Bhubaneswar: The proposed VB-G Ram G Bill marks a significant departure from the structure of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), particularly in terms of funding responsibility, allocation norms and operational flexibility. The Bill introduces a cost-sharing model, replaces open-ended funding with a normative allocation system, and allows a pause in employment…
Bhubaneswar: In a major reform aimed at accelerating industrial growth and promoting entrepreneurship, the Odisha government has simplified land-use regulations for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups. Under the new provision, registered MSME and start-up units are now exempt from obtaining Change of Land Use (CLU) permission under the Odisha Land Reforms Act….
Bhubaneswar: As geopolitical competition sharpens in the Bay of Bengal region, Bhubaneswar is hosting “Purvodaya Perspectives 2025”, a high-level strategic conference aimed at repositioning India’s eastern states as a transnational maritime and economic gateway to Southeast Asia. Organised by The Energy Forum (TEF), the two-day conference is being held on December 13 and 14 at…
Bhubaneswar: MSME Development and Facilitation Office (DFO), Cuttack, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, under its flagship MSME Innovative Scheme, has organized a two-day knowledge-driven program titled IP Yatra, in association with CSIR–IMMT, Bhubaneswar. The initiative aims to create widespread awareness and capacity building on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) among MSMEs, entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, and…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is once again at an inflection point. The Housing and Urban Development Minister and BDA Chairman, Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra’s recent inspection of the Town Planning (TP) Schemes in Bijipur, Paikarapur and Sahajpur—and the ambitious New City project—signals the government’s intent to reshape the capital’s future. But behind the confident site visits and…
Bhubaneswar: Housing and Urban Development Minister and Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, on Wednesday conducted an extensive field review of several major urban development initiatives underway in the capital. The minister visited Town Planning (TP) Schemes No. 1, 2 and 3 located in Bijipur, Paikarapur and Sahajpur, followed by…
Bhubaneswar: The income gap between Odisha’s elected representatives and the citizens they serve has reached an unprecedented level, with the latest figures revealing a stark disparity in earnings. According to recent estimates, an Odisha MLA now earns ₹41.4 lakh annually — equivalent to ₹3.45 lakh per month. In contrast, Odisha’s per capita annual income stands…
Bhubaneswar: India and South Africa will meet in the opening T20 International of the five-match series at the Barabati Stadium this evening, with the match scheduled to begin at 7 pm. This will be the second time within a year that international cricket returns to the historic venue. After a mixed outing on the ongoing…
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar is fast transforming into one of India’s most promising technology hubs, with industry leaders and policymakers projecting the city as a future mega IT metropolis comparable to Bengaluru and Hyderabad. The capital city’s expanding digital infrastructure, booming startup ecosystem, and increasing semiconductor-related investments are reshaping Odisha’s economic landscape. Officials report that Odisha recorded…
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia informed the Assembly on Friday that 16 polluted stretches have been identified across major rivers in the state, with urban wastewater emerging as the primary contaminant. Responding to a question in the House, the minister said polluted stretches have been reported at Kathajodi…
