Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved 11 proposals across five departments at a meeting held on Friday. Chief Secretary Anu Garg shared the decisions and outlined key policy and infrastructure measures cleared by the government.
The State Cabinet approved amendments to the Odisha Labour Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2019. This amendment grants exemption from the departmental examination to Assistant Labour Officers and Rural Labour Inspectors, who were appointed before these rules came into force in 2019.
The Cabinet also approved the Operation and Maintenance Policy for Rural Drinking Water Supply, 2026. The policy aims to strengthen sustainable and reliable drinking water services in rural areas. The state has expanded functional household tap connections under the Jal Jeevan Mission and other initiatives.
To address rising industrial power demand, the Cabinet approved a 2×500 MVA, 400/220/33 kV GIS sub-station at Basudevpur in Keonjhar district. The project includes associated transmission lines. Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited proposed the project at an estimated cost of Rs 1,647 crore. The state will provide 30% equity support of Rs 494.10 crore.
The Joda-Barbil-Palaspanga belt hosts several power-intensive industries. Existing grid sub-stations at Barbil, Joda, and Palaspanga operate at maximum capacity. The new infrastructure will support additional demand.
The Cabinet placed emphasis on the Parbati Giri Mega Lift Irrigation Scheme. The project forms part of efforts to strengthen water resource infrastructure.
The Atal Bus Stand scheme, with a projected outlay of Rs 3,400 crore, received Cabinet nod. The scheme seeks to upgrade and expand public transport facilities throughout the state. Bus stands will be developed at district, sub-divisional, and block headquarters. Urban local bodies, tourist centres, and other key locations will also be covered. The scheme aims to enhance connectivity, support economic activity, and promote inclusive development with environmental sustainability.
The Cabinet also reviewed the Hadua Irrigation Project in the Cuttack district. The project targets the integrated development of Narasinghpur, Badamba, and Tigiria blocks. It includes the construction of a reservoir across the Hadua River near Kharod village. The project will provide assured irrigation to 3,641 hectares of cultivable land in drought-prone areas. Construction of the dam is in progress.
The Cabinet approved amendments to the Odisha Employees’ State Insurance Medical Service (Methods of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2014. The changes aim to streamline recruitment, ensure fair evaluation, and align procedures with current examination practices and administrative requirements.
The decisions form part of efforts to improve infrastructure and strengthen public service delivery across sectors.
