Odisha Cabinet Approves Economic Region Development Authorities and Tribal Livelihood Scheme

The Odisha cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved an amendment to the Odisha Development Authority Act to create Economic Region Development Authorities (ERDAs) for several city agglomerations, including the Bhubaneswar‑Cuttack‑Puri‑Paradeep Economic Region, Bargarh‑Jharsuguda‑Sambalpur, Berhampur‑Chhattrapur‑Gopalpur and Jeypore‑Koraput‑Sunabeda. The bill aims to coordinate planning beyond municipal boundaries, attract investment, generate employment and improve public services. The cabinet also cleared the Mukhya Mantri Janajati Jeevika Mission (MMJJM) 2.0, a Rs 2,995‑crore livelihood initiative targeting eight lakh tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group members.

In a related move, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) approved the launch of the Ekamra Residency housing project, a 7.36‑acre development featuring three B+G+12 towers with two‑ and three‑bedroom apartments, modern amenities and earthquake‑resistant construction. The BDA also sanctioned a shaded cycle track along the Left Parallel Road and several town‑planning schemes covering nearby villages, aiming to enhance urban infrastructure and non‑motorised transport in the state capital.