Odisha CM Mohan Majhi. File
The Mohan Majhi Government on Friday (August 15, 2025) announced the creation of 21 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) to boost infrastructure and services in line with Odisha’s urbanisation needs.
“Better infrastructure and urbanisation are key components of development. Only 17% of our population lives in urban areas. Considering the State’s rapid growth and people’s aspirations, our government has decided to establish 21 more NACs,” Chief Minister Mohan Majhi declared during the Independence Day celebrations here.
The creation of NACs was a major campaign plank ahead of the 2024 elections. The previous Naveen Patnaik Government had promised to set up NACs and municipalities to woo semi-urban voters, but the names were never announced.
The Majhi Government also unveiled a welfare measure under which every family covered by the Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana will receive an additional 5 kg of rice per month for the next three months, benefiting 27 lakh families.
After unfurling the Tricolour, Mr. Majhi dwelt at length on women’s empowerment and safety — an issue on which the Opposition parties had been sharply critical.
“I have said on various platforms that the government follows a policy of zero tolerance towards crimes against women. Anyone committing violence against women — no matter how powerful or influential — belongs behind bars, not in civilised society,” he asserted.
The CM, who also holds the Home portfolio, said the police had been given full authority to take necessary action. “I have issued clear instructions that any neglect of women’s safety will invite strict legal action. While law and order is generally under control, it must become more effective and robust,” he said.
The State Government has recently faced criticism following a spate of incidents — including four girls committing self-immolation and several cases of gang rape and sexual assault — with both the Congress and Biju Janata Dal attacking its handling of women’s safety.
Published – August 16, 2025 02:40 am IST