In an ambitious move to boost local governance and improve civic amenities across the state, Odisha has announced the creation of new Notified Area Councils (NACs) and municipalities. This is part of an ongoing initiative by the government to foster urban development and empower local communities. Odisha’s Self-Governance Day, which is celebrated every year, witnessed this significant step, marking the second such move in August 2025.
These efforts aim to enhance the state’s urban infrastructure, improve governance systems, and ensure that local residents have access to better civic services. The latest announcement, which includes the formation of 16 new NACs and 7 new municipalities, is part of the Odisha government’s long-term strategy to support balanced growth across urban and semi-urban areas. Let’s break down what this means for the people of Odisha, why it matters, and how it fits into the state’s broader vision.
Odisha to Introduce New NACs on Self-Governance
| Key Points | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Announcement | August 31, 2025, on Self-Governance Day |
| New NACs Created | 16 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) across Odisha |
| New Municipalities | 7 new municipalities formed in key regions of Odisha |
| Key Objective | Enhance local governance, improve civic amenities, and drive urban development |
| Previous Move | 12 new NACs created earlier in August 2025 |
| Long-Term Goal | Establish 36 new NACs by 2036 to promote balanced development across Odisha |
| Official Source | Sambad English, Prameya News |
Odisha’s introduction of new Notified Area Councils (NACs) and municipalities is a step in the right direction toward improving local governance and promoting balanced urban development across the state. These initiatives bring with them tangible benefits, including better civic amenities, job creation, and stronger community engagement. The state’s long-term vision for growth, which includes the establishment of 36 new NACs by 2036, shows that Odisha is committed to ensuring that its urban areas grow in a balanced, sustainable manner. By empowering local communities, Odisha is fostering a brighter future for both its urban and rural populations.
What Are NACs and Why Are They Important?
Before diving into the specifics of the new NACs and municipalities, it’s important to understand what they are and why they matter. Notified Area Councils (NACs) are local administrative units that focus on providing essential services to urban and semi-urban areas. They are similar to municipalities but typically have a smaller population and are located in less densely urbanized regions.
NACs play a pivotal role in improving urban governance by overseeing local services like waste management, road maintenance, street lighting, water supply, and sanitation. They also help in fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility among local communities toward their immediate environment.
Why is this Important for Odisha?
Odisha, like many states in India, is experiencing rapid urbanization. As more people move into cities and towns in search of better job opportunities, education, and healthcare, the demand for efficient urban governance has never been higher. The creation of new NACs is the state’s response to this challenge. It’s a forward-thinking move that can ensure:
- Better Civic Infrastructure: Roads, water supply, sanitation, waste disposal, and public health services.
- Balanced Development: Preventing overcrowding and resource strain in major cities while promoting development in smaller towns.
- Increased Local Participation: Empowering citizens to participate in decision-making, leading to better governance.
The formation of new urban bodies ensures that all areas, even smaller towns, are not left behind in the race for urban development. Let’s take a closer look at the 16 newly announced NACs and municipalities in Odisha.
The New NACs and Municipalities in Odisha
New NACs
The recent announcement includes the formation of 16 new NACs spread across different regions of Odisha. Here’s a breakdown:
- Balangir: Loisingha
- Bargarh: Sohela
- Cuttack: Badamba, Narasinghpur, Salepur
- Dhenkanal: Gondia
- Ganjam: Jagannathprasad, Patrapur
- Jajpur: Chandikhole
- Kalahandi: Narla, Jayapatna
- Khordha: Tangi
- Koraput: Borigumma
- Mayurbhanj: Kaptipada, Jashipur, Rasgovindpur
These towns and cities, now designated as NACs, will benefit from focused governance and access to better infrastructure and public services. For instance, the new NACs in Mayurbhanj will see improvements in transportation networks, healthcare facilities, and waste management systems.
New Municipalities
Along with the NACs, Odisha also introduced 7 new municipalities in regions that are pivotal for local governance:
- Mayurbhanj: Karanjia
- Boudh: Boudh
- Ganjam: Bhanjanagar, Aska, Chhatrapur, Kabisuryanagar, Polasara
Municipalities are larger administrative bodies compared to NACs, often overseeing a broader set of services, such as education, housing, and commercial infrastructure. These new municipalities in Ganjam, for instance, will contribute significantly to the development of basic services for residents, such as potable water, sanitation, and improved road networks.
Benefits of These Developments
The creation of new NACs and municipalities is expected to bring about a host of benefits for the local communities:
1. Improved Civic Amenities
With better local governance, residents will benefit from upgraded infrastructure, healthcare services, and educational facilities. Clean water supply, better sanitation, and waste management services will become a priority.
2. Increased Employment Opportunities
Local job creation is another significant outcome of this development. As new urban projects get underway, jobs in construction, administration, and service sectors will be created, boosting the local economy.
3. Encouragement of Local Entrepreneurship
Better infrastructure and government support can foster a more conducive environment for businesses. Local entrepreneurs in sectors like retail, food, and small industries will be able to tap into the growing urban demand.
4. Empowerment Through Local Governance
One of the key aims of the NACs and municipalities is to empower local communities. By giving citizens more control over their immediate environment, it ensures that they can actively participate in the decision-making process.
5. Balanced Regional Growth
Instead of funneling resources only into larger cities, the formation of new urban bodies ensures that smaller towns are not neglected. This reduces the pressure on major urban centers, promoting balanced regional development.
Long-Term Vision: 36 New NACs by 2036
The latest announcement in August 2025 is only one part of a larger vision for Odisha’s growth. The state government has set its sights on creating 36 new NACs by 2036, which shows a deep commitment to fostering urban development while maintaining the importance of rural and semi-urban areas.
By expanding local governance, Odisha is ensuring that growth is not just centralized in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, but that it spreads across the state, benefiting all citizens, regardless of their location.
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FAQs
What is the difference between an NAC and a municipality?
An NAC is a smaller administrative body that typically oversees urban and semi-urban areas with populations ranging between 5,000 to 50,000. A municipality, on the other hand, is a larger local governing body that manages more populous regions and provides a wider array of services.
How do NACs benefit small towns?
NACs ensure that small towns receive essential services such as clean water, better sanitation, and proper waste management. They also provide a platform for residents to engage with local governance, leading to better decision-making that reflects their needs.
When was the idea for new NACs announced?
The announcement was made on August 31, 2025, coinciding with Odisha’s Self-Governance Day, marking the state’s ongoing efforts toward empowering local communities through better governance.
How does this initiative fit into the state’s larger vision?
The creation of new NACs is part of Odisha’s broader goal to establish 36 new NACs by 2036. This long-term plan aims to ensure balanced urban development across the state, reducing strain on existing urban centers while enhancing infrastructure and services in smaller towns.
