State PCS - Odisha (OPSC)

• 09 Mar 2026

Amit Shah Inaugurated Cooperative Sector Projects in Odisha

Why in News? 

Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for multiple cooperative sector and development projects worth over ₹3,770 crore in Odisha during an event held in Bhubaneswar. 

Key Points: 

• Initiatives: Projects of the National Dairy Development Board, Odisha State Cooperative Milk Producers’ Federation, and the Odisha government were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid during the event. 
  • A total of 173 projects of the Odisha government were inaugurated, including 61 completed projects worth ₹1,230 crore and 112 new projects worth ₹2,116 crore. 
• Cooperative Sector Development: The Union government and the Odisha government plan to build a strong cooperative network in every village, particularly in the dairy sector, inspired by the cooperative model of Amul. 
  • A new cooperative policy for Odisha is planned to strengthen dairy, fisheries, and other cooperative activities, aiming to boost rural income and women’s participation in economic activities. 
• Revival of Sugar Mills: The restart of the Badamba Sugar Mill has been completed by Indian Potash Limited, and the government aims to revive other closed sugar mills across the country through cooperative efforts. 
• Sulphuric Acid Plant–III: The third stream of a sulphuric acid plant was inaugurated at Paradip at the facility of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited. 
• Forensic Infrastructure: The foundation stone for a campus of National Forensic Sciences University was laid in Odisha. 
  • Under the new criminal laws, Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) visits have been made mandatory for serious crimes punishable with more than seven years of imprisonment, strengthening scientific investigation. 
• Cyber Infrastructure: Specialized cybercrime and economic offences branches have been launched in 20 districts of Odisha to enhance digital and financial crime investigation capabilities.  
• Conviction Rate: Odisha has recorded a conviction rate of more than 87% in FIRs registered under the new criminal laws.  
• Significance: The initiatives aim to strengthen cooperative institutions, forensic infrastructure, agricultural processing, and industrial capacity in Odisha, contributing to rural development, improved law enforcement, and greater self-reliance in fertilizer production. 

Read More: Cooperative sector , Amul, Cyber Infrastructure, New criminal laws