The Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved 12 proposals across nine departments during its 30th meeting on Friday.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja briefed the media after the session, highlighting decisions ranging from environmental reforms to recruitment and welfare measures.
Water Pollution Amendment Act Adopted
The Cabinet adopted the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024, to strengthen environmental governance. The Act decriminalises minor offences, reduces industry burden, and prescribes procedures for appointing the State Pollution Control Board chairperson. Officials said the move will improve the ease of doing business, enhance monitoring, and safeguard water resources.
Special Diet Allowance Losses Written Off
The Cabinet approved writing off Rs 64.94 lakh in inadmissible Special Diet Allowance paid to 2,495 police personnel of three OSAP battalions between 1993 and 1996. The decision was taken as all beneficiaries have either retired or passed away.
Finance Service Rules Amended
Rule 17 of the Odisha Finance Service Rules, 2011, was amended to allow flexibility in training duration for OFS officers. The government can now revise induction and institutional training periods as needed, replacing fixed timelines.
Scholarships for ST/SC Students Enhanced
Under the Mukhya Mantri Medhabi Chatra Protsahan Yojana, Pre-Matric scholarships will rise to ₹16,000 for boys and ₹17,000 for girls annually, while Post-Matric mess allowances will increase to the same levels. The revised rates, effective December 1, 2025, aim to improve food quality and support students in hostels, including ANWESHA.
GCC Policy 2025 Approved
The Cabinet cleared the Odisha Global Capability Centre (GCC) Policy 2025 to attract multinational corporations. The policy envisions Rs 11,000 crore investment, five GCC hubs, and over 50,000 jobs, complementing the Odisha IT Policy 2025 and promoting balanced regional development.
E-Lottery for Quarry Lease
Amendments to the OMMC Rules, 2016, introduced an e-lottery system for quarry lease allotment. The system will expedite allotments, regulate costs, and curb illegal mining with a maximum rate cap.
New Mineral Rules 2025 Enacted
The Cabinet approved the Odisha Minerals (Prevention of Illegal Mining and Regulation of Trading, Transportation & Storage) Rules, 2025, repealing the 2007 rules. The framework strengthens measures against theft and smuggling while improving mineral administration.
Labour Tenement Records Transferred
The GA & PG Department was authorised to manage post-allotment activities of labour tenements under the Low Income Group Housing Scheme. Lease records will be transferred from the Housing & Urban Development Department.
OUSSSC Established
To streamline recruitment in uniformed services, the Cabinet approved the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission (OUSSSC). The commission will ensure transparent, merit-based recruitment across police, excise, forest, and transport departments.
Statistical Cadre Restructured
The Cabinet approved the restructuring of the Odisha Subordinate Statistical Surveyors (OSSS) cadre. Changes include abolition of 231 posts, re-designation of Statistical Field Inspectors as Supervisors with higher pay, and upgrading Senior Inspectors to Block Statistical Officers. The move aims to modernise data collection and strengthen decentralised supervision.
