Bhubaneswar, May 22: The Odisha State Cabinet has approved a series of important policy decisions aimed at strengthening governance, improving administrative efficiency, and accelerating the state’s development across key sectors including heritage, judiciary, industry, and the blue economy.
Several important proposals have been approved in the State Cabinet meeting to further accelerate and strengthen Odisha’s development journey.
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) May 21, 2026
From administrative reforms and employee welfare to heritage conservation and the growth of the blue economy, our government continues to… pic.twitter.com/0FAovV6KYV
To preserve and promote Odisha’s rich cultural legacy, the Cabinet approved the Odisha Archaeological Curator Service Rules, 2026, along with the creation of a dedicated Directorate of Archaeology. This initiative is expected to enhance the preservation, management, and promotion of the state’s archaeological and heritage assets in a more structured manner.
In a significant step towards employee welfare and career progression, amendments to the Non-Judicial Staff Service Rules have introduced a structured promotion pathway for eligible Group-D employees, enabling their advancement to Junior Clerk positions in district and civil courts.
The Cabinet also approved the Odisha Repealing Bill, 2026, which will repeal 358 outdated and redundant laws enacted between 1974 and 2025. This reform is aimed at simplifying the legal framework and reducing unnecessary regulatory complexities.
As part of broader ease-of-doing-business reforms, the government approved the repeal of the High Speed Diesel (Dealers’ Licensing) Order, 1979, thereby removing outdated licensing requirements in the fuel sector and easing regulatory burdens.
In the area of administrative reform, the Odisha Ministerial Services Rules, 2026 were approved to bring 1,032 posts under direct administrative control, improving efficiency and strengthening service delivery in the ST & SC Welfare structure.
The Cabinet also cleared the Odisha Marine Fishing (Prohibition and Regulation) Bill, 2026, aimed at regulating deep-sea fishing activities, curbing illegal practices, and supporting the sustainable development of Odisha’s blue economy.
In a major infrastructure decision, approval was granted for the revised cost of ₹2,854.24 crore for the Paradeep (Ersama) 400/220/33 kV Grid Sub-station and associated transmission system, which will enhance industrial power supply and support growing energy demand.
Officials stated that these decisions collectively reflect the government’s commitment to modern governance, sustainable development, and balanced economic growth across Odisha.
