The Odisha government has announced its decision to distribute approximately 80,000 smartphones to Anganwadi workers to improve the monitoring of the nutritional status of mothers and children, officials reported on Sunday. The initiative will cost a total of Rs 93 crore.

These smartphones will facilitate efficient tracking and management of various POSHAN Abhiyaan activities, which include beneficiary registration, daily data entry, monitoring of supplementary nutrition distribution, growth measurement, and pre-school education. This decision was made during a State Cabinet meeting held on Saturday night.

Additionally, the government approved the Mukhyamantri Hastatanta Bikasha Yojana (MHBY), a new initiative aimed at the comprehensive development of the handloom sector in the State, with a projected expenditure of Rs 589.10 crore over five years.

The State government also sanctioned a comprehensive flood management scheme with a budget of Rs 2,781 crore, which will be fully funded by the State’s resources from 2025-26 to 2029-30. This scheme aims to reduce flood damage during emergencies, safeguard human lives, villages, and agricultural land, while also promoting sustainable flood management practices and enhancing public awareness and preparedness.

Furthermore, the Odisha government decided to terminate its agreement with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) regarding the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail Project, with the State agreeing to cover the expenses of Rs 273.51 crore incurred on the project until December 2025.

In addition, the government plans to redevelop the State-run Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) in Burla, with an estimated cost of Rs 926.96 crore. The State also resolved to revive Badamba Cooperative Sugar Industries Ltd under the special support mechanism outlined in the Industrial Policy Resolution, 2022.