The 28th Board Meeting of the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB) concluded today with unanimous approval of several transformative administrative, financial, and welfare measures.
Chaired by Minister for Housing & Urban Development and OWSSB Chairperson Dr Krushna Chandra Mohapatra at Unnati Bhawan’s Conference Hall, the session focused on long-pending issues to enhance institutional strength, employee motivation, and service delivery.
In a key decision to address career stagnation, the Board extended promotional benefits to OWSSB (Board Cadre) engineers equivalent to those in the PHE Cadre under the Housing & Urban Development Department. This resolves longstanding concerns for Assistant Project Engineers and establishes a clear, merit-based career progression path.
To further bolster the cadre, Deputy Project Engineers (equivalent to Assistant Executive Engineers) will be redesignated as Additional Project Engineers. These posts will be filled via promotion from DPEs, limited to 40% of the sanctioned strength, promoting transparency and merit.
“Our engineers form the backbone of Odisha’s urban water and sewerage infrastructure,” said Dr Mohapatra. “Ensuring fair promotions and service parity is a commitment to dignity, motivation, and excellence. These reforms will fortify OWSSB internally.”
Field-level workers received significant recognition with the approval of a special Rs 200 per day incentive for Daily Labour Roll (DLR) employees. Additionally, DLR workers who disengaged at age 60 will now qualify for gratuity, providing post-retirement financial security.
“Those ensuring round-the-clock water supply on the ground deserve appreciation and protection,” the Minister added. “This incentive and gratuity reflect our inclusive, humane approach to governance.”
On the financial front, the Board resolved that OWSSB-generated funds and revenues will directly support its action plans, granting greater operational flexibility, faster project execution, and optimised resource use.
Governance improvements include designating the Engineer-in-Chief (EIC), OWSSB, as Member Secretary of the Board for swifter decisions. A permanent sub-committee—with representatives from General Administration, Finance, and Housing & Urban Development Departments—will tackle complex technical and legal matters for timely resolutions.
Additional Chief Secretary, H&UD Department, Usha Padhee, praised the decisions as vital for institutional strengthening: “These reforms enhance accountability, upgrade governance, and empower OWSSB with autonomy and efficiency.”
The meeting saw participation from senior officials, including the Managing Director of Water Corporation of Odisha (WATCO), EIC OWSSB, EIC (PH), and other Board Members.
