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Odisha Government Abolishes Professional Tax, Big Relief for Working People

OdishaConnect — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 12:28:23 +0000

Major Announcement for Employees
In a significant decision, the Odisha government has abolished professional tax, bringing major relief to working individuals across the state. From this month onwards, no professional tax will be collected from employees.

Official Notification Issued
The Finance Department has issued a gazette notification confirming the decision. All departments have been directed not to deduct professional tax from the salaries of government employees.

New Rule Effective from April 2026
As per the official order, the abolition of professional tax has come into effect from April 1, 2026. The move follows the withdrawal of the Odisha State Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employments Act, 2000, under a new ordinance issued in 2026.

Applicable to Private Sector as Well
The new rule applies not only to government employees but also to private sector workers. From April 1, 2026, no professional tax will be collected from any salaried individual or professional in the state.

Budget Announcement by Chief Minister
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi had earlier announced this decision during the budget session, stating that there was a growing demand from the public to abolish the tax.

Relief from Financial Burden
Employees were already paying income tax, and the additional professional tax was seen as a financial burden. Considering this, the government decided to remove the tax to provide relief.

Revenue Impact on State Exchequer
The decision is expected to result in an annual revenue loss of around Rs 320 crore for the state government.

Who Benefited Earlier Under Tax System
Professional tax was earlier collected from a wide range of individuals, including salaried employees, business owners, doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, insurance and postal agents, brokers, architects, and management consultants.

Tax Structure Before Abolition
Typically, a minimum of Rs 2,500 per year was collected as professional tax, depending on salary levels. For salaried employees, it was deducted monthly, while business owners paid it directly. Even ministers, MPs, and MLAs were required to pay this tax.

End of an Additional Tax Burden
With this decision, the Odisha government has removed an additional layer of taxation, providing financial relief to lakhs of working professionals across the state.

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President Droupadi Murmu to Visit Rourkela on April 21

OdishaConnect — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 10:59:50 +0000

Grand Preparations Underway Across Steel City

Extensive preparations are in full swing in Rourkela ahead of the visit of President Droupadi Murmu. The city is being beautified with roads and walls along key routes—from the airport ground to Panposh Circuit House and the Tribal Museum—receiving a fresh makeover to welcome the President.

Thousands of Students to Participate in Welcome Ceremony

Arrangements have been made at the airport venue to accommodate around 10,000 students from various government and private schools of Sundargarh and Rourkela. Among them, over 1,500 students will present cultural performances as part of the grand welcome ceremony. Students have been rehearsing regularly, with special measures taken to ensure their safety amid heat and humidity.

Dignitaries Likely to Attend

The event is expected to be attended by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram, along with other ministers. Final schedules of the dignitaries are yet to be confirmed.

Multi-Layer Security with 45 Platoons Deployed

A three-tier security arrangement has been put in place for the President’s visit. Around 45 platoons of police force, along with senior officers including DIGs, SPs, and DSPs, will be deployed across key locations such as Space Chowk, Hanuman Vatika, Hockey Chowk, and Circuit House. The entire route from the airport to the event venues will remain under strict security surveillance.

Cultural Showcases at Major Intersections

To manage crowds effectively, authorities have planned welcome events at major intersections instead of a single large gathering. Over 35 cultural groups will perform at locations including Space Chowk, Chhend Chowk, DAV Chowk, Hanuman Vatika, and Hockey Chowk, showcasing Odisha’s rich art and culture.

Lunch and Stay at Panposh Circuit House

President Murmu is scheduled to have lunch at the Panposh Circuit House, where she will stay for nearly two hours. The venue is being specially decorated, and traditional Odia cuisine is likely to be served, with the final menu to be decided shortly before the visit.

Interaction with Delegations

The President is also expected to meet representatives from various cultural, social, voluntary organizations, and political groups from Sundargarh and Rourkela. Over 200 organizations have sought permission to meet her, and a final list is being reviewed by the President’s office.

Administrative Review and Political Coordination

District Collector Dr. Shubhankar Mohapatra and SP Nitesh Wadhwani held discussions with local BJP leaders regarding the visit. Leaders including Batakrishna Mishra, Dhiren Senapati, former MLA Shankar Oram, and others were present. Authorities advised organizing welcome events at designated points rather than at the main stage to ensure smooth management and security.

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East Coast Railway Achieves Record Tunnelling Milestone in Eastern Ghats

OdishaConnect — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:17:34 +0000

The East Coast Railway has achieved a major milestone in infrastructure development by successfully breaking through five tunnels during the financial year 2025–26 across the challenging terrain of the Eastern Ghats.

Breakthrough in Challenging Terrain

The latest success came with the breakthrough of Tunnel No. 30 (1,043 metres) in the Sikarpai–Keutguda section of the Koraput–Singapur Road doubling project on April 14, 2026.

Officials said the tunnel was constructed on a difficult 5-degree curve and excavated simultaneously from both ends, achieving 100% alignment accuracy—highlighting advanced engineering precision and execution in complex geological conditions.

Major Progress in Key Railway Projects

Significant progress was also recorded in the strategically important Khurda Road–Balangir new line project. Tunnel T-4 (4,185 metres), the longest on the route, along with Tunnel T-2 (1,775 metres), were successfully broken through, contributing nearly 6 kilometres of tunnelling work.

Earlier, Tunnel T-5 and T-6 (250 metres each) were completed in July 2025, followed by Tunnel T-7 (1,975 metres) in November 2025, marking steady advancement in project execution.

Over 7 Kilometres of Tunnelling Achieved

In total, 7,051 metres of tunnels were broken through during the year, with 2,475 metres fully completed, including lining and associated works. Additional progress was made in doubling sections such as Koraput–Rayagada and Koraput–Singapur Road corridors.

Boost to Connectivity and Regional Growth

Officials stated that these achievements will significantly enhance rail connectivity between coastal and western Odisha. The projects are expected to improve capacity for both freight and passenger movement while connecting remote and tribal regions to mainstream economic activities.

Overcoming Natural Barriers

The milestone reflects the focused and mission-driven approach of East Coast Railway in overcoming difficult terrain and geological challenges. The development is set to play a key role in strengthening transportation infrastructure and supporting economic growth across the state.

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MoHUA Joint Secretary Reviews PMAY-U Progress in Bhubaneswar, Visits Key Housing Projects

OdishaConnect — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:12:41 +0000

Kuldeep Narayan, Joint Secretary (Housing for All), Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India, reviewed the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) and PMAY-U 2.0 during his visit to Bhubaneswar on Friday.

Inspection of Key Housing Projects

During the visit, Kuldeep Narayan inspected three major housing project sites representing different verticals of PMAY-U.

His first stop was the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) project at Buddha Vihar, Chandrasekharpur, where he reviewed the progress of housing units aimed at providing affordable and quality living spaces to urban beneficiaries.

He then visited Hare Krushna Nagar near Saileshree Vihar, where houses are being constructed under the Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC) vertical. Interacting with residents, he appreciated the state’s efforts in enabling individual house construction and ensuring timely delivery.

Inclusive Housing Model at Pragati Bihar

A key highlight of the visit was the Pragati Bihar Slum redevelopment project under PMAY-U 2.0. The initiative stands out as an inclusive housing model, with 44 houses sanctioned—34 of them allotted to members of the transgender community.

The project is being developed with technical support from noted architect Ashok B. Lall in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Officials said the project focuses on sustainable, climate-responsive, and energy-efficient housing, incorporating thermally comfortable designs, cost-effective construction techniques, rooftop solar systems, and energy-efficient appliances.

Kuldeep Narayan termed the initiative a progressive step toward inclusive and environmentally sustainable urban development.

Review Meeting with State Officials

Following the field visits, a comprehensive review meeting was held at Kharvela Bhavan. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, Usha Padhee, along with senior officials from the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).

Discussions focused on the overall progress of PMAY-U and PMAY-U 2.0 in Odisha, including achievements, challenges, and areas needing attention.

Focus on Timely Completion and Quality

Kuldeep Narayan emphasized the importance of timely project completion, maintaining construction quality, and ensuring beneficiary satisfaction. He also provided guidance on strengthening implementation and addressing bottlenecks.

Push for Innovation and Inclusive Urban Growth

Strategic discussions highlighted the need for policy interventions, innovation, and sustainable practices for effective rollout of PMAY-U 2.0. Officials stressed that inclusivity and climate-resilient infrastructure will be key to achieving the vision of “Housing for All.”

Commitment to ‘Housing for All’

The visit reaffirmed the commitment of both the Central and State Governments to accelerate urban housing initiatives and ensure dignified living conditions for all sections of society.

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Odisha Signs MoU to Launch Marine Spatial Plan, Aims to Boost Blue Economy

OdishaConnect — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 13:04:45 +0000

In a major step towards sustainable coastal development, the Odisha government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement a Marine Spatial Plan (MSP), aimed at balancing economic growth with marine environmental protection.

MoU Signed for Sustainable Ocean Planning

The agreement was signed at Lok Seva Bhavan between the State’s Science & Technology Department and the National Centre for Coastal Research, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.

The MoU was signed by Pooja Mishra, Additional Secretary of the department, and Dr. R.S. Kankara, Director of NCCR, in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Boost to Blue Economy and Climate Resilience

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the MSP initiative will strengthen Odisha’s blue economy while ensuring the protection of marine ecosystems. He emphasized that the plan will promote coastal livelihoods, tourism, fisheries, and ocean-based industries without compromising biodiversity.

He added that MSP would set a new benchmark in integrated coastal and marine planning.

India-Norway Collaboration

The Marine Spatial Planning initiative is part of a collaborative effort between India and Norway on Sustainable Ocean Planning, which began in 2019.

In its first phase, the programme was implemented in Puducherry and Lakshadweep. Odisha has now become the first state to roll out the initiative in the second phase.

Scientific Management of Marine Resources

The Chief Minister highlighted the need for scientific management of marine ecosystems amid increasing developmental pressures. MSP will help address sectoral demands in fisheries, ports, tourism, and renewable ocean energy while maintaining ecological balance.

Complementing Existing Initiatives

He also noted that the launch of the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research and Innovation Corridor (OMBRIC) in August last year would further strengthen MSP efforts by promoting biotechnology-driven marine conservation and economic growth.

Support from Centre and International Partners

Senior officials reiterated their support for the initiative. Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, said MSP would play a key role in achieving India’s Vision 2047 while addressing climate challenges.

Arvin Gadgil, Deputy Ambassador of the Royal Norwegian Embassy, emphasized Norway’s commitment to supporting Odisha through technology-driven marine resource management.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in advancing Odisha’s development agenda.

A Step Towards Long-Term Development Goals

Officials said the MSP initiative aligns with Odisha’s vision of becoming a prosperous state by 2036 and contributing to a developed India by 2047. The plan aims to ensure sustainable utilization of marine resources while safeguarding the environment for future generations.

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Odisha Replaces Planning Board with SITI-Odisha for Policy and Development Reforms

OdishaConnect — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 12:36:12 +0000

In a significant administrative reform, the Odisha government has replaced the long-standing State Planning Board with a new institution—SITI-Odisha (State Institute for Transformative Initiatives)—aimed at strengthening policy planning and accelerating development.

End of an Era: Planning Board Becomes History

The State Planning Board, which served as Odisha’s key policy think tank for decades, has now been dissolved. The new body, SITI-Odisha, has been established on the lines of NITI Aayog to bring a modern, evidence-based approach to governance.

The decision was formalized through a resolution issued by the state’s Planning and Convergence Department on April 17.

Vision for ‘Viksit Odisha’ and ‘Samruddha Odisha’

The move aligns with the government’s long-term vision of achieving a “Samruddha Odisha” by 2036 and a “Viksit Odisha” by 2047. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the new institution aims to introduce strategic planning, data-driven policymaking, and forward-looking governance to transform the state’s development trajectory.

Structure and Leadership of SITI-Odisha

The Chief Minister will serve as the Chairperson of SITI-Odisha. A Vice-Chairperson, nominated by the Chief Minister, will hold the rank and privileges of a Cabinet Minister.

The body will include:

Four full-time expert members from priority sectors, with the rank of Ministers of State
The Development Commissioner as Member Secretary
A senior IAS officer appointed as Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Nine officials from various departments as members
Two domain experts from reputed institutions as special invitees

Focus on Evidence-Based Governance

SITI-Odisha will oversee a dedicated unit named the State Monitoring and Evaluation Office (SMEO), which will function as the nodal agency for evidence-based governance in the state.

The institution will provide guidance across six key thematic areas:

Economy and finance
Rural economy and livelihoods
Employment and urban development
Innovation and ideas
Energy transition
Environment, forests, mining, and natural resources

District Planning Committees Already Announced

Earlier this month, the state government had announced the formation of District Planning Committees (DPCs) across all 30 districts. Chairpersons have been appointed, with 4 ministers and 26 MLAs heading these committees to strengthen decentralized planning at the district level.

A Major Shift in Governance Approach

With the establishment of SITI-Odisha, the state government aims to bring a transformative shift in governance by focusing on strategic planning, expert-driven decision-making, and measurable outcomes, replacing the traditional planning framework with a more dynamic and modern system.

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Major Eviction Drive in Shampur: BDA Reclaims 8 Acres of Encroached Land

OdishaConnect — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 10:33:15 +0000

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) conducted a large-scale eviction drive in Shampur mouza under Bharatpur police limits, demolishing illegal structures and reclaiming nearly 8 acres of government land.

Large-Scale Demolition Operation

The eviction drive was carried out under the direction of BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana and led by Joint Commissioner Ranjan Kumar Jena. Six JCB machines were deployed during the operation.

On the first day alone, 187 houses were demolished, including 31 under-construction buildings. Officials said the move is part of ongoing efforts to remove encroachments and promote planned urban development in Bhubaneswar.

Heavy Police Deployment Ensures Peaceful Operation

To maintain law and order, around 10 platoons of police force along with 50 officers were stationed at the site. Authorities confirmed that the eviction drive was carried out peacefully without any major untoward incidents.

Prior Notices Issued to Encroachers

Before initiating the demolition, the BDA had issued multiple notices and made announcements through loudspeakers, urging residents to vacate the encroached land voluntarily. Officials reiterated that the action was taken only after following due legal procedures.

Appeal for Voluntary Compliance

BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana stated that the eviction drive will continue until all illegal encroachments are cleared. He also appealed to people occupying government land unlawfully to vacate on their own and cooperate with development initiatives.

Recovery of LPG Cylinders

During the drive, officials recovered 72 LPG cylinders, including 21 small ones, from an encroached house. These were later handed over to the Civil Supplies Department for further action.

Previous FIR Against Land Mafia

It may be recalled that in December 2023, the BDA had filed an FIR with the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), alleging illegal encroachment and sale of portions of around 68 acres of government land by land mafias in the area.

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Heavy Security Arrangements for Chandana Yatra in Puri

OdishaConnect — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 02:38:58 +0000

Overview

The coastal pilgrimage city of Puri is gearing up for the upcoming Chandana Yatra, one of the most significant rituals associated with the summer festivities of Lord Jagannath. The administration has intensified preparations ahead of the event, which will coincide with Akshaya Tritiya on the 20th of this month.

Security Deployment

According to Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh, a robust security arrangement will be put in place to ensure a smooth and orderly celebration. A total of five platoons of police force will be deployed for the festival.

The security structure will include:

1 Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)
5 Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs)
8 Inspectors
20 Sub-Inspectors
58 Home Guards

To maintain order, separate entry and exit routes will be created, along with barricading at key points. Continuous monitoring will be ensured through CCTV surveillance systems installed across important locations.

Ritual Procession and Naval Ceremony

During the Chandana Yatra, the ceremonial deities including Madanamohana, Bhudevi, and Sridevi will be carried in decorated palanquins to the sacred water body. The procession also includes Ramakrishna and the Pancha Pandavas, who will participate in the ritual journey.

A major highlight of the festival is the boat ride (Nauka Bihara), where the deities enjoy water recreation to provide symbolic relief from the summer heat.

Preparations at Narendra Tank

The rituals will be conducted at Narendra Tank, which is being extensively beautified and cleaned for the occasion. The boats used for the ritual have already undergone maintenance, including painting and coating with protective materials.

The deities from Jagannath Temple, Puri will be brought to the tank in a grand ceremonial procession, marking the beginning of the extended festival.

Administration and Crowd Management

District authorities have issued detailed instructions to ensure smooth crowd control, traffic management, lighting, sanitation, and public safety during the festival. CCTV monitoring and rescue teams will also be active throughout the event.

The Chandana Yatra committee and Nijog (temple management body) have already finalized the ritual schedule, ensuring traditional practices are followed without disruption.

Conclusion

With elaborate arrangements in place, Puri is fully prepared to host the grand Chandana Yatra, a spiritually significant festival that blends devotion, tradition, and cultural heritage, attracting thousands of devotees from across the region.

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First Phase of Census Begins Across Odisha from Today

OdishaConnect — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 13:46:51 +0000

Statewide Enumeration Drive Kicks Off
The first phase of the census has commenced across Odisha from April 16, with extensive preparations made by the Directorate of Census Operations. The exercise will continue until May 15, aiming to ensure accurate and comprehensive data collection across the state.

To carry out the process smoothly, around 90,200 enumerators and 15,140 supervisors have been deployed. Each enumerator has been assigned the task of collecting data from nearly 800 individuals, covering approximately 200–220 households.

Focus on House Listing and Data Collection
In this initial phase, officials will conduct house listing, numbering, and detailed data collection from household heads. Enumerators will visit every street and household to gather information through a structured questionnaire consisting of 33 questions.

The survey will capture details such as type of housing (permanent or temporary), building materials, number of family members, gender distribution, and presence of third-gender individuals. It will also include information on ownership status, communication facilities, number of rooms, and access to basic amenities like electricity, toilets, and water drainage.

Capturing Lifestyle and Infrastructure Details
The census will further document cooking methods (such as LPG or traditional fuels), sources of energy, use of media devices like television and radio, internet access, and availability of vehicles. Data on food consumption patterns, including staple grains, will also be collected.

Enumerators will prepare maps of their assigned areas, while supervisors will verify and review the collected data. Each supervisor will oversee the work of six enumerators to ensure accuracy and consistency.

Teachers Assigned Key Roles
Primary school teachers have been appointed as enumerators, while high school teachers are serving as supervisors. Importantly, schools will remain open, and teachers will conduct census duties after school hours and during weekends.

Monitoring and Digital Integration
Daily progress will be closely monitored, tracking the number of households covered and data collected in each district. Citizens who have already updated their details through self-enumeration online will provide their ID for verification and upload by officials. So far, over 1.8 lakh people have completed online updates.

Special kits containing essential materials have been distributed to enumerators to support the smooth execution of this large-scale exercise.

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Police Arrest Police: Action Taken After 10 Years in Narsinghpur Custodial Death Case

OdishaConnect — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 12:05:43 +0000

Six Police Personnel Arrested

In a significant development, six police personnel have been arrested in connection with the Narsinghpur custodial death case, nearly a decade after the incident. Those arrested include a retired Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI), three retired Home Guards, one serving Home Guard, and one Havildar. All the accused have been forwarded to court following their arrest.

The arrested individuals have been identified as retired ASI Bhagaban Sahu, Havildar Pramod Kumar Patra, retired Home Guards Bhikari Nayak and Yogi Nayak, and Home Guards Maheswar Debata and Dharmaraj Rana.

Background of the 2016 Incident

The incident dates back to December 5, 2016, when a complaint was filed at Narsinghpur police station. The complaint was lodged by Rebati, daughter of Chaitanya Nayak of Malisahi village, against her neighbor Saroj Senapati following a dispute between the two families.

Based on the complaint, police registered a case and went to the village to arrest Saroj. During the arrest attempt, a scuffle broke out between Saroj and the police, leaving both sides injured. Subsequently, another case was registered based on the ASI’s complaint.

Health Deteriorates in Custody

After his arrest, Saroj was kept in police custody. While in custody, his health condition reportedly deteriorated गंभीरly. He was first taken to the Narsinghpur hospital and later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.

However, on December 11, 2016, doctors declared him dead, triggering serious allegations of custodial death.

Allegations and Compensation

Following the death, Saroj’s father-in-law accused the police of custodial torture, leading to public outrage in the area. A case was registered, and tensions escalated.

As part of immediate relief measures at the time, Saroj’s wife was provided a job as a Home Guard, and a compensation of ₹10 lakh was granted to the family.

Justice After a Decade

Now, nearly 10 years later, police have taken action against their own personnel in the case. The arrests mark a crucial step towards accountability and justice in custodial death cases, highlighting that even law enforcement officials are not above the law.

The case underscores the importance of due process and human rights protections within the criminal justice system.

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