Odisha Cabinet Approves New Fisheries Service Rules to Strengthen Recruitment and Service Administration

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet has approved the Odisha Fisheries Service (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2026, paving the way for a comprehensive framework governing the recruitment, promotion, seniority and service conditions of officers in the Fisheries and Animal Resources Development (ARD) Department.

The newly approved rules are aimed at implementing the restructured Odisha Fisheries Service (OFS) cadre while ensuring greater transparency and uniformity in personnel management across the department.

The Fisheries and ARD Department plays a crucial role in boosting fish production, improving the livelihoods of fishing communities and promoting sustainable management of aquatic resources. The department is also spearheading flagship initiatives such as the Odisha Deep Sea Fishing Mission and Odisha Shrimp Mission under the state’s Blue Economy vision.

As part of its long-term development strategy, the Odisha government has set a target of producing 33 lakh metric tonnes of fish and achieving Rs 25,000 crore in seafood exports by 2036. The sector is also expected to create substantial employment opportunities in aquaculture, fish processing, value addition and marketing.

To support these ambitious goals, the state had earlier approved the restructuring of the OFS cadre, increasing its sanctioned strength from 617 to 835 posts. The newly notified service rules provide the legal framework required to operationalise the expanded cadre.

Under the new provisions, recruitment procedures have been streamlined, including the induction of officers into newly created Group ‘A’ posts such as Block Fisheries Officer and Assistant Director of Fisheries at Pay Level-12. The rules also introduce a structured promotion policy, ensuring transparent and merit-based career advancement for officers.

Government officials believe the reforms will facilitate quicker deployment of technical and administrative personnel at the field level, leading to improved disease management, better conservation of aquatic resources and enhanced efficiency in delivering fisheries-related services.

The Odisha Fisheries Service (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2026 will take effect from the date they are officially published in the Odisha Gazette.