September 12th 2024.
Bhubaneswar: The state Cabinet, led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has taken a significant step towards empowering women. In their meeting on Thursday, they gave their approval for an amendment to the OCS Rules, 2020. This amendment will allow for the appointment of married daughters and stepdaughters of government employees on compassionate grounds.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja addressed the media after the meeting, explaining that previously, only unmarried daughters and stepdaughters of deceased government employees were considered for compassionate appointment. However, with the amendment of the OCS Rules, 2020, married daughters and stepdaughters will also now be eligible for this opportunity. Of course, this is subject to the condition that they can prove their dependency on their parents.
Another important decision made by the Cabinet was the transfer of 95% equity shares of Gopalpur Ports Limited to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited. This transfer will be from Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Private Limited and Orissa Stevedores Limited. As Chief Secretary Ahuja informed reporters, APSEZ had previously acquired a 56% stake in GPL from Shapoorji Pallonji Group and a 39% stake from OSL. This transfer of equity shares will result in APSEZ holding a majority stake of 95%, while OSL will retain a 5% share.
The Cabinet approved the transfer after following all necessary procedures. They also granted permission for the signing of a revised concession agreement for the development and expansion of GPL. This decision was made with the intent of boosting the port's capacity, as it currently handles bulk cargo such as iron ore, coal, limestone, and alumina. After the expansion, it will be able to handle a variety of cargo, which will have a positive impact on the state's economy. As Commerce and Transport Principal Secretary Usha Padhee stated, the port, originally managed by the C&T department as a fair-weather lighterage port, will now operate as an all-weather deep berthing seaport.
Recognizing the potential for economic development and its impact on the state's people, the government decided in 2003 to transfer GPL into a PPP in the Build Own Operate Share Transfer mode. Through a competitive process, GPL won the bid with a consortium comprising of OSL, Noble Group Limited, and Sara International Limited. However, there have been changes in shareholding since then, in 2010 and 2017.
Currently, GPL handles 11.43 million metric tonnes of cargo annually and shares 7.5% of its gross revenue with the state government. For the 2023-24 fiscal year, the estimated revenue share is approximately Rs. 38 crore. An official also stated that the port creates employment for around 4,000 people, both directly and indirectly. The expansion is expected to further increase both revenue and employment opportunities.
In addition to these decisions, the state Cabinet also approved the Odisha Ex-Agniveers Rules, 2024. This will reserve 10% of seats for ex-Agniveers in the uniform services. As Chief Secretary Ahuja explained, this means that ex-Agniveers will now have a 10% horizontal reservation in all Group C and D posts in direct recruitment in the state's uniform services, such as police, forest, excise, and fire departments. This reservation will be in addition to any other reservations for ex-servicemen, and they will also receive a three-year age relaxation and exemption from physical efficiency tests. Of course, these benefits will be applicable only if they meet the minimum qualifications required for the posts as per the relevant recruitment rules at the time of receiving the Agniveer certificate.
Overall, the state Cabinet's decisions are aimed at promoting gender equality and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups such as women and ex-Agniveers. These progressive actions will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the state's development and its people.
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