The Odisha Cabinet has approved a 10% reservation for ex-servicemen in the state's uniformed services.
The Cabinet has also approved the transfer of the majority share to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited for the development and expansion of Gopalpur Port.
Arpit Pattnaik
A new rule has been approved in Odisha which grants ex-Agniveers 10% reservation in all Group 'C' and 'D' posts in the uniformed services after their retirement. This reservation is in addition to the existing reservation for ex-servicemen. The State Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, approved the new Odisha Ex-Agniveers (Recruitment to Uniform Services) Rules, 2024.
According to the new rules, ex-Agniveers will have opportunities to secure jobs in uniformed services such as police, forest, excise, fire, or any other services determined by the government. However, they must meet the minimum qualifications required for the posts as per the relevant recruitment rules at the time of receiving the Agniveer certificate.
In addition to being exempt from the physical efficiency test, ex-Agniveers will also receive a three-year age relaxation in the upper age limit for all Group 'C' and 'D' posts in direct recruitment.
In another decision, the Cabinet approved the transfer of equity shares to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) from Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Private Limited (SPPML) and Orissa Stevedores Limited (OSL) for the development and expansion of Gopalpur Port.
The Gopalpur Port, previously a fair-weather lighterage port operated only during favorable weather conditions. It was transformed into an all-weather deep berthing seaport in 2003 through a Public Private Partnership (PPP). Gopalpur Ports Limited (GPL), a consortium of Odisha Stevedores Limited, Noble Group Limited, and Sara International Limited, handled 11.43 million metric tons per annum (MTPA) of cargo and shares 7.5% of its gross revenue with the State government for the financial year 2023-24.
The Cabinet also approved an amendment to the Odisha Civil Services (Rehabilitation Assistance) Rules, 2020, which now allows daughters or stepdaughters, irrespective of their marital status, to be considered for compassionate appointment in the event of the death of a government employee. Previously, only unmarried daughters and stepdaughters were considered for compassionate appointment.
