Bhubaneswar: In a proactive move to support the welfare of the citizens and promote entrepreneurial initiatives, the Odisha Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, greenlit several crucial proposals during its meeting on Monday. A total of 26 proposals from 14 departments received approval, marking a significant step towards the overall development of the state.
Post the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain, Minister Atanu Sabyasachi Nayak, and Chief Secretary Pradeep Kumar Jena briefed the media about the approved agenda items. A total of 27 agenda items from various departments were discussed, and 26 of them received approval during the Cabinet meeting.
1. Financial Assistance and Jute Carry Bags under PDS:
The Cabinet decided to provide Rs 1,000 as livelihood assistance to each beneficiary family under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Additionally, two jute carry bags will be distributed to each of the 95,90,526 PDS families, aimed at easing their daily lives.
The total fund requirement for the procurement and distribution of jute carry bags and financial assistance is estimated to be Rs 1,237.74 crore.
2. SWAYAM Scheme for Self-Employed Youth:
A new scheme named “SWAYAM” was approved to create self-employed youth (Swatantra Yuva Udyami) in the age group of 18-35 years (18-40 years for special category).
Rural unemployed youth can avail interest-free bank loans for a project cost of up to Rs 1 lakh under this scheme.
The government aims to cover 1 lakh eligible rural youth initially, with a budget of Rs 448 crore, and the scheme will operate for a period of 2 years.
3. Mukhyamantri Maschyajibi Kalyan Yojana (MMKY):
The Cabinet sanctioned the new State Sector umbrella scheme MMKY, which will be implemented during FY 2023-24 with a total budget outlay of nearly Rs 448 crore.
The scheme aims to benefit 50,000 fishermen directly, including 11,000 Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs), and generate indirect employment for over 1 lakh fishers.
4. Amendment of Telecom Infrastructure Policy:
The Cabinet approved the amendment of the Odisha Mobile Towers and Telegraph Line, OFC, and related Telecom Infrastructure Policy, 2017.
The amendments align with the Indian Telegraph Right of Way (Amendment) Rules, 2023, facilitating faster deployment of Telecom Infrastructure for 5G rollout and improved service quality.
5. Extension of Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana:
The State Cabinet extended the Malati Devi Prak Vidyalaya Paridhan Yojana until the financial year 2026-27.
Enhancements include providing two pairs of uniforms, shoes & socks, and a sweater for eligible children from the financial year 2024-25.
6. Construction of EHT Grid Sub-Stations:
Approval was granted for the construction of 8 EHT grid sub-stations and associated transmission lines by OPTCL under the Odisha Transmission System Strengthening Programme.
The total estimated cost of the projects is Rs 538.57 crore, supported by 100% equity from the State government.
7. Uniform Conversion Fee Assessment:
The Cabinet approved the uniform assessment of Conversion Fee at 3% of Benchmark Market Value (BMV), replacing the existing 10% of BMV for land allotted to BDA and OSHB for residential purposes.
Rationalization of assessment of Conversion Fee at 3% of BMV was also sanctioned for land leased out by GA & PG Department for residential purposes.
These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to comprehensive development, welfare, and promotion of entrepreneurship in the state.