Bhubaneswar: CM inaugurates 1,608 homes as ED deepens SI scam probe
Bhubaneswar saw a busy week of civic activity and accountability news, with the Chief Minister personally handing over new homes to hundreds of families even as the Enforcement Directorate pressed forward on a job-test corruption case. The Odisha Cabinet also approved fresh welfare measures on education and housing, signalling an active legislative agenda ahead of the festive season.
🗳️ ED uncovers fresh connections in Odisha SI job test scam
The Enforcement Directorate has revealed new links in its ongoing investigation into the Odisha Sub-Inspector job test scam, according to a report by The Times of India. The case centers on alleged irregularities in the recruitment examination for Sub-Inspector posts in the Odisha police. Investigators have been tracing financial trails and identifying additional individuals potentially connected to the fraud. The SI exam scam has drawn sustained public attention in Bhubaneswar and across Odisha, raising concerns about the integrity of state government hiring processes. The ED's involvement adds a money-laundering dimension to what began as a recruitment irregularity case. Authorities have reportedly widened the net of suspects as the probe proceeds. The development underscores ongoing scrutiny of public sector recruitment practices in the state. Federal agencies are coordinating with state police on the investigation. The case is seen as a test of accountability for Odisha's law enforcement and civil service hiring system. [1]
🏢 CM Majhi inaugurates two housing complexes and Bajrangi Playground
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated two affordable residential projects and the Bajrangi Playground in Bhubaneswar, in a major push for urban infrastructure development. The Chief Minister opened the Neelakantheswar Niwas project at Ghatikia, developed over 5.27 acres using precast concrete technology at an estimated cost of Rs 66.5 crore, comprising 928 housing units and 32 shops. He also launched Mukteswar Residency at Gadakana, built over 6.36 acres with 680 residential units, providing electricity, water supply, and sanitation facilities. Together the two complexes add 1,608 new affordable housing units to the state capital. During the event, 962 families received homes under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana scheme. The Bajrangi Playground inauguration was aimed at promoting sports activities for children and young people in Bhubaneswar. The projects were built using modern precast concrete technology. Each residential block was designed with amenities to serve low-income families, according to KalingaTV. The occasion marked a significant milestone in the state government's affordable housing drive. [4]
🎓 Odisha Cabinet approves free textbooks for Classes IX and X
The Odisha Cabinet has approved a policy to provide free textbooks to students in Classes IX and X across the state, as reported by The Times of India. The decision is expected to ease the financial burden on families and improve educational access for secondary school students in Odisha. The move reflects the state government's continuing focus on education welfare, extending a benefit previously available to primary and upper-primary levels. Students in government and government-aided schools are likely to benefit from this scheme. The Cabinet's approval of the textbook policy was among a slate of welfare decisions announced from Bhubaneswar. Education officials noted that the initiative aligns with broader efforts to increase secondary school enrolment and reduce dropout rates. Supplying free textbooks at the Class IX and X level is seen as particularly important as this stage marks the approach to Board examinations. The scheme is expected to reach a significant number of students across Odisha's districts. Its implementation is to be coordinated through the state's school education department. [8]
🗳️ State plans 2.92 lakh additional homes under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana
Odisha is planning to construct 2.92 lakh additional housing units under its Antyodaya Gruha Yojana scheme, according to a report in The Times of India. The state-level housing initiative targets families who have not yet benefited from central government housing programmes, ensuring no eligible household is left without shelter. The announcement came amid a broader series of housing-related activities in Bhubaneswar, including the inauguration of two new residential complexes by the Chief Minister. Antyodaya Gruha Yojana is designed to complement the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana by covering gaps at the state level. The 2.92 lakh target represents a substantial expansion of the scheme's reach across Odisha. Officials indicated that construction under this phase will be carried out in phases over a defined timeline. The programme prioritises the economically weaker sections and landless families who qualify under state-defined criteria. Financing is expected to come from a combination of state funds and allocations under related welfare schemes. The initiative reinforces Odisha's stated commitment to ensuring housing for all eligible residents. [5]
Sources: [1] The Times of India · [4] KalingaTV · [8] The Times of India · [5] The Times of India