Odisha Cabinet Clears 16 Proposals, Approves Rs 500 Crore Urban Drainage Scheme

The Odisha Cabinet, at its 48th meeting on Tuesday, approved 16 proposals from 11 departments, covering urban infrastructure, fisheries, education, agriculture and employment generation.

Cabinet Secretary Anu Garg announced the decisions, which include a Rs 500 crore urban stormwater drainage scheme, free textbooks for Classes 9 and 10, a Rs 1,360 crore fertiliser and seed management programme, and Rs 450 crore for skill development targeting 4.2 lakh youths.

Fisheries Sector to Get Boost

The Cabinet approved an increase in Odisha Subordinate Fisheries Service posts from 445 to 774, creating 329 additional positions. Senior Fisheries Technical Assistant posts will rise from 127 to 224, while Junior Fisheries Technical Assistant posts will increase from 318 to 550.

It also cleared a Rs 133.8 crore fishing harbour at Astaranga in Puri district, expected to provide safe berthing and landing facilities for around 1,960 mechanised fishing vessels.

Rs 500 Crore for Urban Drainage

The Urban Storm Water Drainage Management and Improvement Programme will address waterlogging through drain desilting, removal of blockages, improved drainage channels and restoration of natural waterways. The scheme will cover urban local bodies and selected block headquarters.

Free Textbooks for Classes 9 and 10

Students of Classes 9 and 10 will receive free textbooks under a Rs 284.07 crore scheme spanning five years, benefiting around 28.7 lakh students. The Cabinet also approved service-rule changes for Hindi and Sanskrit teachers, including cadre recognition and promotion benefits.

Rs 1,360 Crore for Farmers, Rs 450 Crore for Skill Development

The government approved Rs 1,360 crore over four years for fertiliser and seed management, including Rs 960 crore for MARKFED and Rs 400 crore for the Odisha State Seeds Corporation.

Another Rs 450 crore has been sanctioned for skill development programmes targeting 4.2 lakh youths to improve their employment prospects.

Cuttack Mahanadi Riverfront to Be Developed

The Mahanadi riverfront in Cuttack will be transformed into a public recreational and tourist destination, featuring parks, a waterfront promenade, landscaping and an open-air theatre. The project will include waterbody development and five years of operation and maintenance. Work is scheduled to begin on November 26, with completion targeted within two years.

Water Storage, Data Centre Projects Approved

The Cabinet approved a Rs 105 crore in-stream storage structure on the Tel River at Tustapali village in Balangir district. The project is expected to be completed within two and a half years, helping conserve water and recharge groundwater.

A disaster recovery facility and data centre will also be established in Keonjhar at a cost of over Rs 176 crore.

Other decisions include amendments to the Odisha Industrial Policy 2022 concerning stamp duty on company mergers and restructuring, along with changes to the Odisha Diploma Engineers Service cadre.