Bhubaneswar, Aug 31: In a landmark move to strengthen grassroots urban governance, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the upgradation of seven Notified Area Councils (NACs) to municipalities and the creation of 16 new NACs across Odisha.

The announcement was made during the observance of Local Self-Government Day, underscoring the state government’s commitment to decentralization and grassroots development.

Seven NACs Elevated to Municipalities

The following towns will now function as municipalities, granting them expanded administrative powers and access to greater development funds- Karanjia (Mayurbhanj), Bhanjanagar, Aska, Kabisuryanagar, Polsara, and Chhatrapur (Ganjam), and Boudh.

This upgrade is expected to enhance civic amenities, streamline urban planning, and improve service delivery in these growing urban centers.

The Chief Minister also declared the formation of 16 new NACs:- Loisinga, Sohela, Baramba, Narasinghpur, Salepur, Ganadia, Jagannathprasad, Patrapur, Chandikhole, Narla, Jayapatana, Tangi, Boriguma, Kaptipada, Jashipur, Rasagobindpur.

Speaking at the event, CM Majhi emphasiSed the importance of empowering local bodies: “This is a people-centric government. We are committed to strengthening urban governance and ensuring that every town gets the recognition and resources it deserves.”

The move comes amid growing public demand for civic upgrades, with several towns previously staging protests over exclusion from earlier NAC notifications.