Bhubaneswar, Feb 8: The Odisha Cabinet has approved 11 major proposals Saturday in a meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, with an aim to improve housing, infrastructure, and sports development.

The most important proposal, approved by the cabinet, is the launch of Antyodaya Gruha Yojana. Under this scheme, the government will provide pucca houses to the poor section of people in Odisha.

In addition, the cabinet has also sanctioned funds for stadiums in blocks across the state, bridge construction, as well as dam renovation projects.

Antyodaya Gruha Yojana

The Odisha Govt will construct as many as 2.25 lakh pucca houses over the next three years for displaced families, persons with disabilities, and the Forest Rights Act beneficiaries.

Under the scheme, each beneficiary will receive Rs 1,20,000 to build a 25-square-meter house, with additional incentives for early completion. If the beneficiaries complete the construction within four months, then they will get an incentive of Rs 20,000, while completing the construction within six months will get the beneficiaries an incentive of Rs 10,000.

The definition of pucca houses will be simplified, with houses with asbestos, tin and tile roofing, will come under the kutcha house category.

A total budget of Rs 7,550 crore has been allocated for this scheme.

Focus on sports infrastructure

With an aim to promote sports at grassroot level, the Odisha Govt will construct multi-sports stadiums in 314 blocks in the state. The stadiums will have the facilities for cricket, football, kho kho, athletics, kabaddi, table tennis and badminton.

The stadiums, which will also have indoor halls, will be constructed on 8–10 acres of land. A budget of Rs 4,124 crore has been finalised for the project and the funds will be allocated in phases over the next five years.

Road Connectivity (Bridges)

In a bid to improve connectivity, the cabinet has approved several bridge construction projects over various rivers -- Brahmani, Kharasrota, Baitarani, and Mahanadi rivers. These bridges will improve connectivity in Kendrapara, Bhadrak, and Jharsuguda districts.

These projects, with a total budget exceeding Rs 895 crore, aim to ease traffic congestion and boost tourism in Bhitarkanika and nearby areas.

Funds For DRIP Phase II & III

A budget of Rs 1,066 crore has been approved for the Dam Rehabilitation and Improvement Project (DRIP) Phase II & III. The objective of the initiative (DRIP Phase II & III) is to improve the safety and operational performance of selected existing dams along with dam safety institutional strengthening with system wide management approach.

The budget will be supported by the World Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. To better the flood management, the project will automate Hirakud Dam’s gates, construct an additional spillway, and modernise dam infrastructure.

Other decisions at a glance

UPS Scheme: The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for state government employees, aligning with the Centre’s UPS policy (approved August 24, 2023 and came into effect from April 1, 2024) to be implemented

Amendments to the Odisha Renewable Energy Policy, 2022: 50% concession in wheeling charges (up from 25%) for industries using renewable power for the next 15 years; the prohibition of wind turbine installations within 1 km of residential areas (having 10 or more houses) to ensure safety and minimize environmental impact

Revisions in the recruitment process for judicial and administrative services: Amendment of the Odisha District and Civil Court Judicial Staff Services Recruitment Rules, 2008, streamlining hiring, ensuring transparency, and providing equal opportunities across all categories; the updation of OPSC Rules, 1952, revising the salary structure of OPSC Chairpersons and Members

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