OWSSB approves overdue changes for employee well-being.

The 28th board meeting of the Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board was held on Thursday in Bhubaneswar, with the aim of implementing long-awaited reforms to boost the efficiency of the institution and improve the morale of its employees. Chaired by the Housing and Urban Development Minister and OWSSB Chairperson, Krushna Chandra Mohapatra, the meeting was attended by senior officials and representatives from related departments. One of the major decisions taken at the meeting was to extend promotional benefits to engineers under the OWSSB Board Cadre, bringing them on par with those available to the Public Health Engineering cadre under the H&UD department. This decision is expected to address concerns regarding career progression, especially among assistant project engineers, by providing them with structured and time-bound opportunities for advancement. The minister emphasized that these reforms were aimed at restoring fairness and dignity to the service conditions of the engineers, who are crucial to the functioning of urban water and sewerage infrastructure. In addition, the meeting also saw the redesignation of deputy project engineers holding the rank of assistant executive engineer as additional project engineers. This new position will be filled through promotions from DPEs in a ratio of 40% of the sanctioned strength, ensuring a transparent and merit-based system for elevating the workforce within the board. Recognizing the hard work and contribution of field-level personnel, the board approved a special incentive of Rs 200 per day for Daily Labour Roll workers engaged under OWSSB. To provide financial security to DLR workers upon their retirement, the board also approved gratuity benefits for those who reach the age of 60. The minister emphasized the need to protect and recognize frontline workers who ensure an uninterrupted water supply, calling this decision a step towards inclusive governance. In a significant move towards financial autonomy, the board resolved to use funds and revenue generated from OWSSB's own sources for the implementation of its approved action plans. This decision is expected to improve operational flexibility, enhance project timelines, and optimize the utilization of resources. To streamline governance and decision-making processes, the board also decided to appoint the OWSSB Engineer-in-Chief as the member secretary of the board. This will expedite decision-making and administrative coordination. Additionally, a permanent sub-committee comprising representatives from the General Administration, Finance, and Housing and Urban Development departments will be formed to address complex technical and legal matters and ensure timely resolutions through structured review mechanisms. With these resolutions, the board reaffirmed its commitment to upholding professional excellence, promoting employee welfare, maintaining financial prudence, and improving the delivery of urban water supply and sewerage services across Odisha.