Bhubaneswar, May 7: In a crucial Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, the Odisha government approved eight significant proposals spanning employment, pension reforms, infrastructure development, and public services. These decisions aim to enhance governance and facilitate socioeconomic growth across the state.

Animal Resources Development: New Appointments & Reforms
Odisha’s government has sanctioned 113 new posts under the Odisha Veterinary Professional Services Cadre (Group B), strengthening animal healthcare services and workforce deployment.

Finance: Pension Policy Amendments
The Cabinet approved 20 changes in pension rules, ensuring greater flexibility for government employees. Key amendments include allowing employees who resign to reconsider their decision within 90 days and submit a request to rejoin. Additionally, family pension eligibility has been expanded. Previously granted only to unmarried daughters, the new policy now includes married daughters with disabilities, provided their family income is below ₹5 lakh per annum.

Rural Development: ₹142 Crore Annual Budget
The Odisha Cabinet has allocated ₹142 crore annually for the next three years, dedicated to rural development projects. These funds will facilitate the execution of up to 20 different projects, primarily through the Rural Development Department.

Infrastructure: Disaster-Resilient Roads
Recognizing the damages caused by natural calamities, the Cabinet approved a ₹1,000 crore budget for the next five years under the Chief Minister’s Road Scheme. This initiative includes constructing 500 new roads, with ₹200 crore allocated annually. Additionally, bridges prone to flooding will be upgraded with high-level structures to ensure durability.

Transport: Affordable Public Bus Services
To enhance accessibility, the government will expand the Chief Minister’s Bus Service, offering 50% fare concessions to women, students, and differently-abled individuals.

Healthcare: Free Diagnosis & Dialysis Services
The Cabinet has approved the continuation of free medical diagnostics and dialysis services for another five years, with a total budget of ₹2,459.51 crore. Furthermore, Nirmal Universal Health Centres will receive an additional ₹5,174.79 crore, strengthening secondary healthcare services across Odisha.

With these policies, Odisha aims to boost employment, social welfare, infrastructure resilience, and public service accessibility, reinforcing its commitment to holistic development.

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