India, July 23 -- In a major administrative reform aimed at improving urban governance and speeding up development projects, the Odisha government has significantly enhanced the financial powers of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) and Smart City authorities across the stateThe Housing and Urban Development Department has issued a revised framework delegating higher financial powers to Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Notified Area Councils (NACs), and Smart City Limited authorities. The new provisions have come into effect immediately, replacing all earlier orders, notifications, and memoranda on the subject.

Under the revised framework, the financial powers of the Managing Directors of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) and Rourkela...