Governance / Odisha Cabinet Clears Key Proposals on Semiconductor, Green Energy, Irrigation Projects

Bhubaneswar, Aug 12: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved 10 proposals across six departments, focusing on semiconductor policy, renewable energy, irrigation projects, e-governance, and welfare schemes for women and children, officials said.

Boost to Semiconductor Ecosystem

The Cabinet amended the state’s semiconductor policy to include equipment, chemicals, R&D, talent development, and global supply chains. Officials said this would accelerate the creation of a robust semiconductor ecosystem in Odisha.

Green Energy Push

 The renewable energy policy was revised to promote Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), wind parks, small hydro projects, and captive renewable energy initiatives. Amendments to the Pumped Storage Project policy aim to enhance energy conservation capacity in the state.

E-Governance Strengthened

 Approval was granted for OSWAS 3.0 (Odisha Secretariat Workflow Automation System), which will streamline digital file management, online approvals, and faster service delivery in government offices.

Mega Irrigation Projects

Two major water resource projects received clearance. The Parbatigiri Mega Lift Irrigation Project (Phase-3) will cover 161 new schemes at a cost of Rs12,458 crore, creating irrigation facilities for 2.62 lakh hectares and benefiting nearly 7 lakh farmers. Under the Improvement to Tanks & MIPs scheme, 680 projects worth Rs389 crore will restore irrigation capacity for 15,700 hectares and increase water storage by 48.5 MCM.
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Welfare Schemes Extended

The Cabinet extended the ‘Yashoda-Aashirbad’ scheme for five years, allocating Rs296.99 crore for orphans, destitute children, and those who lost parents to COVID-19. The Malati Devi Praridhan scheme was also approved, providing uniforms, shoes, socks, and bags to 14.76 lakh pre-school children aged 3–6 years, with an outlay of Rs586.50 crore.