Odisha Cabinet approves Cooperative reforms, Science Council & more

Bhubaneswar (By Abhishek Mohanty): The 
Odisha government will roll out a State Cooperation Policy–2026 to strengthen the cooperative sector, aligned with the Centre’s National Cooperation Policy and PM Modi’s vision of “Sahkar Se Samriddhi”. The scheme received approval from the State Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday.

The policy aims to make cooperatives technology-driven, efficient, transparent and member-centric.
It focuses on strengthening PACS, LAMPCS, cooperative banks, dairy, tribal, handloom, fisheries, housing and marketing cooperatives.
Built on seven strategic pillars, including digital transformation,
financial strengthening,
governance reforms, professional management and member empowerment.

Expected outcomes include better credit flow, improved marketing, stronger village-level economy, and transparent functioning.

The State Cabinet approved a new umbrella scheme: State Council on Science and Technology under the Science & Technology Department.
It will promote basic and applied research, scientific temper among students, and industry–academia collaboration.
The council will include 14 sub-schemes and focus on encouraging meritorious students to pursue higher studies and research in science.

The Cabinet gave its approval for creation of a new cadre called Odisha Culture Development Service.
It aiims to restructure the District Culture Officer cadre and provide better promotional opportunities.

Moreover, the 
Cabinet approved continuation and rationalisation of State Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for select international flights from Bhubaneswar.
The objectives include global connectivity, diaspora support, and aviation-led economic growth.