The State Cabinet on Friday approved a proposal for establishment of an Odisha Maritime Board and another proposal to implement the Justice BP Das Commission’s security and safety-related recommendations for the Shreemandir in Puri, among a total of five projects.
The Odisha Maritime Board would deal with administration, control and management of non-major ports and non-nationalised inland waterways of the state. It will provide policy guidelines and directions for the integrated development of ports and inland water transport keeping in view the country’s security and defence-related concerns. It will take up survey and techno-economic feasibility studies so as to facilitate private sector investment for development of ports and port-based industries. The Board will have 12 members, including Chief Secretary as its Chairperson.As per the BP Das Commission recommendations, structures within 75-metre radius of the Shreemandir will be cleared to facilitate free movement of pilgrims and visitors, and ensure safety of the temple.
The Cabinet also approved financial restructuring of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation (OSRTC). Old dues of OSRTC and and the Government will be settled for ever. Besides, the accumulated loses of Rs 169.93 crore will be taken up against the share capital in a phased manner.
Once the losses are adjusted, the OSRTC will have the option to approach financial institutions for taking up commercially viable projects for better passenger amenities.
Besides, a proposal to amend the existing provision of Rule-6 (4) of the Odisha Service (Method of Recruitment and Condition of Service) Rule 2013 was approved. The amendment aims to get eligible OPS officers for filling up the posts of Superior Administrative Grade in OPS cadre by eliminating constraints.
As per another proposal approved by the Cabinet, the Government will remit stamp duty and registration fees of the Gopabandhu Science College, Athagarh on its gift deed of land measuring 11.56 acres along with building standing on it in the Birakishorepur Mouza in Cuttack district. The college has no own building and has been running in the palace building of land belonging to the erstwhile Athagarh royal family since 1978.