Odisha Cabinet approves key welfare and development plans
The Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved several major initiatives aimed at boosting labour welfare, strengthening education, and enhancing facilities at one of the state’s prominent Ghatagaon Tarini temple.
Labour welfare boost:
The Odisha Cabinet has approved measures to strengthen the implementation of the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act of 1948 within the state. These measures extend coverage to shops and commercial establishments employing 20 or more individuals and aim to improve compliance with the Act. Key provisions include:
• Mandatory signage : Display of signboards in Odia.
• Overtime compensation : Payment of overtime wages for work beyond regular hours.
• Night shift employment : Allowing women to work at night with written consent, provided government safety measures are in place.
It's important to note that the state government cannot amend the ESI Act itself, as it is a central legislation. However, the state has the authority to implement and enforce the Act within its jurisdiction, including setting up necessary infrastructure and ensuring compliance with its provisions. The amendment reflects the state's commitment to improving social security coverage for workers in various establishments.
Education revamp:
To strengthen grassroots education, the government approved the “Godabarish Mishra Adarsha Prathamik Vidyalaya” scheme. Under this plan, every panchayat will have at least one model primary school. A model school is a well-equipped, high-standard school designed to serve as an example for quality education, infrastructure, and teaching practices, aligning with the objectives of the Right to Education Act, 2009. In the first phase, 2,200 schools will be built over three years at a cost of ₹1,200 crore, with each school receiving more than ₹5 crore. This funding is comparable to similar state-level initiatives; while it appears sufficient for constructing modern model schools, the adequacy will depend on local construction costs, land acquisition, and infrastructure requirements. Further schools will be developed in subsequent phases across the state.
Temple development:
The Cabinet cleared the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the development of the Ghatagaon Tarini Temple in Keonjhar. Spread over 69 acres with an estimated cost of Rs 226 crore, the project includes a 246-room pilgrims’ accommodation facility, a coconut storage house, and a 500-seat multipurpose hall to improve infrastructure for devotees.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted that these decisions will play a crucial role in promoting labour welfare, enhancing primary education, and improving facilities at one of Odisha’s most revered shrines.
Environment and cleanliness drive:
On Thursday, CM Majhi participated in a cleanliness drive at the Lingaraj Temple under the ‘Swachhotsav, Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign. Joined by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sulochana Das, and other senior leaders, he also planted a sapling as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Launched by PM Modi on World Environment Day 2024, the initiative combines environmental conservation with a tribute to mothers, reflecting India’s push for sustainable development and increased forest cover.
These initiatives demonstrate Odisha’s focus on labour rights, quality education, religious tourism infrastructure, and environmental responsibility.