The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved 13 major proposals, headlined by the Rs 393.62-crore 'Odisha Shikshanet' scheme to provide free Wi-Fi connectivity across higher educational institutions in the state, ANI reported.

Source: ANI via Indian Economic Observer

Under Shikshanet, free Wi-Fi facilities will be set up in 601 government and aided colleges across Odisha over a three-year implementation period spanning financial years 2026-27 to 2028-29, according to the state Information and Public Relations Department. Authenticated students will be entitled to up to 1 GB of free high-speed internet data per day within their college campuses, and the initiative is slated to benefit more than 6 lakh students and faculty members by easing access to digital learning platforms, e-libraries and online academic resources.

Beyond Wi-Fi: paddy policy and a breeding bill

The cabinet also cleared a comprehensive Food and Paddy Procurement Policy for the Kharif Marketing Season 2026-27, aimed at transparent procurement at the minimum support price, timely payment to farmers, efficient milling and an uninterrupted supply of rice under the public distribution system and welfare schemes, Nation Press reported.

Source: Nation Press

Also approved was the draft Odisha Bovine Breeding (Regulation) Bill, 2026, for introduction in the Odisha Legislative Assembly, setting up a regulatory framework for scientific and quality livestock breeding services in the state. In all, 13 proposals spanning 10 departments received cabinet approval at the meeting in Bhubaneswar.