Odisha Cabinet Unveils Major Reforms: Unlimited Attempts for Civil Services and Free Wi-Fi for Colleges

The Odisha Cabinet, under Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved significant reforms, including the removal of limits on attempts for the Odisha Civil Services examination and the launch of a free Wi-Fi initiative for 601 colleges. This initiative aims to provide high-speed internet access to over 600,000 students and faculty, enhancing educational resources and e-governance services. Additionally, the Cabinet greenlit the financial framework for the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project, expected to generate substantial electricity by 2030-31. Read on to learn more about these transformative decisions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 10, 2026, 09:30 IST

Significant Cabinet Decisions in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Monday, the Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, sanctioned 13 proposals across 10 departments. Key decisions included lifting the limit on attempts for the Odisha Civil Services (OCS) examination, introducing free Wi-Fi in 601 government and aided colleges, and enhancing promotional pathways for panchayat executive officers (PEOs).

In a significant move for civil service hopefuls, the Cabinet amended the Odisha Civil Services (Combined Competitive Recruitment Examination) Rules, 1991, eliminating the previous restrictions on the number of attempts. Now, candidates who meet the age and eligibility requirements can take the OCS examination without any limits.

Additionally, the Cabinet endorsed the ‘Odisha Shikshanet’ initiative, aimed at providing free Wi-Fi access to all colleges and universities, with a budget of Rs 393.62 crore over three years, from 2026-27 to 2028-29. This program will ensure secure, high-speed internet in 601 colleges, starting with 130 in the first phase. Each verified student will receive up to 1 GB of free internet data daily.

This initiative is projected to benefit over 600,000 students and faculty, allowing them to access e-books, digital libraries, virtual classrooms, and various online courses. It will also facilitate e-governance services, including scholarship portals and other essential resources. Another significant decision was the approval of the financial framework and project cost for the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project located in Kalahandi district.

The Odisha Hydro Power Corporation will oversee the project, with Megha Engineering and Infrastructures Ltd appointed as the EPC contractor at a cost of Rs 3,372.88 crore, excluding GST. The total project expenditure is estimated at Rs 4,708.64 crore, financed through an 80:20 debt-equity ratio. OHPC will provide 20% equity from its reserves, while the state government will offer the remaining 80% as a soft loan linked to the RBI repo rate. Expected to be operational by 2030-31, this project aims to generate approximately 1,040 million units (MU) of peak electricity annually, addressing the 1,283 MU of off-peak energy needed for water pumping. The pumped storage facility will play a crucial role in storing excess electricity during off-peak times and generating power during peak demand.