BHUBANESWAR: On Friday, December 31, the Cabinet of the Government of Odisha adopted nine significant decisions relating to the departments of education, housing, urban development, and drinking water. The decisions were announced by Suresh Chandra Mahaptra, the State’s Chief Secretary.
The government has agreed to extend the State Government grant-in-aid to eligible staff of newly aided schools, upper primary schools, Sanskrit schools, Madrasas, and non-government colleges, including junior colleges, according to Mahapatra. As per Odisha updated scale pay regulations 2017, qualified employees would receive the actual revised grant starting in 2022.
The Cabinet resolved to include disaster management in the list of Panchayati Raj activities. Other significant resolutions included a proposal to amend the Odisha Municipal Corporation Act to assign land rights to existing property rights for the development and upgradation of slums; a proposal to amend the Odisha Government College laboratory assistant-cum-store keeper, librarian, and PET recruitment and conditions of service rules; and a proposal to amend the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act, Panchayat Samiti Act, and Zilla Parishad Act.
In addition, the Cabinet decided to create rural works sub-divisions in 314 blocks in order to expedite the vast road, building, bridge, and related construction projects. In addition, it was decided to establish one rural works circle in Rayagada and three rural works divisions in Udala, Banei, and Banspal.