Bhubaneswar Desi news — 2026-10-14
CM Majhi Launches Housing Projects and Plans 12 New Playgrounds
Chief Minister Mohan Majhi launched a series of housing projects in Bhubaneswar and announced plans to develop twelve new playgrounds across the city, signalling a renewed focus on urban welfare infrastructure in the Odisha capital. The housing initiatives target economically weaker sections and middle-income families, providing subsidized units in areas with high demand from government employees and migrant workers. The playground development plan is designed to address a persistent deficit of open recreational spaces in rapidly densifying urban neighbourhoods, with dedicated spaces planned for children and youth sports. Officials from the Bhubaneswar Development Authority stated that the projects would be executed under a time-bound schedule and monitored through a digital tracking system to ensure timely delivery. The announcements were welcomed by resident welfare associations who have long lobbied for better civic amenities to match the city's growth as an IT and services hub. Mayor and city councilors pledged cooperation in expediting approvals for the new facilities. [4]
Odisha Cabinet Approves Free Textbooks for Class IX and X Students
The Odisha state cabinet cleared a landmark decision to provide free textbooks to all students enrolled in Class IX and Class X across government schools in the state, extending an existing programme that previously covered only lower classes. The move is expected to benefit hundreds of thousands of students in Bhubaneswar and across Odisha, reducing the financial burden on families who have struggled with education costs particularly in the aftermath of economic disruptions. School education officials confirmed that the books will be distributed through government supply chains at the beginning of the academic term, with provisions for mid-year replacements for students who transfer between districts. Education advocates praised the decision as a step toward eliminating a major barrier to secondary school retention, noting that textbook costs have historically contributed to dropout rates in low-income households. The cabinet also reviewed related policies on school meal programmes and teacher recruitment as part of a broader educational reform agenda. [2]
Drug Crackdown: Multiple Pharmacies Raided in Bhubaneswar
Law enforcement and drug regulatory authorities carried out coordinated raids on multiple pharmacies in Bhubaneswar as part of a continuing crackdown on illegal drug distribution, prescription misuse, and spurious medicine sales. The operation, involving teams from the Drug Controller and local police, targeted establishments suspected of selling controlled substances without valid prescriptions and of stocking medicines beyond their use-by dates. Several establishments were sealed and significant quantities of medicines were seized pending laboratory analysis. Officials said the raids were prompted by intelligence reports indicating a rise in prescription fraud and the unauthorized sale of sedatives and psychotropic drugs. Pharmacy associations called on members to strictly adhere to licensing conditions and said the crackdown, while disruptive to legitimate businesses, was necessary to restore public trust in the retail pharmaceutical sector. Health authorities urged residents to purchase medicines only from licensed retailers and to report suspicious pharmacy activity through official complaint channels. [3]
Odisha Postal Circle Uses Philately to Showcase Heritage Tourism
Odisha Postal Circle has launched a philatelic initiative aimed at documenting and promoting the state's rich heritage tourism assets, issuing commemorative stamps and postal covers featuring iconic temples, tribal art forms, and UNESCO-recognized cultural sites. The programme positions postage as a medium of storytelling, targeting collectors, schools, and cultural organizations to build awareness of Odisha's diverse historical landscape. Special philatelic exhibitions have been organized in Bhubaneswar in conjunction with the initiative, drawing postal collectors, students, and history enthusiasts. Officials from the Postal Circle noted that the project aligns with the central government's broader push to leverage soft power tools for tourism promotion ahead of international exhibitions and trade fairs. Puri's Jagannath Temple, Konark's Sun Temple, and the Dhauli Peace Pagoda are among the highlighted landmarks. The initiative also invites public nominations for future stamp subjects, ensuring that lesser-known heritage sites get documentation through this philatelic medium. [8]
Sources: [4] OrissaPOST · [2] The Times of India · [3] prameyanews.com · [8] OdishaBytes