Smita Mishra 
In a significant move, the Odisha government has announced a slew of initiatives aimed at improving the lives of government employees, economically weaker sections, and sports enthusiasts. The decisions were taken at the Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday night.
Unified Pension Scheme: A Boon for Government Employees
The Odisha government has decided to implement the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) for its employees who are considered eligible for pension under the National Pension System (NPS). The UPS promises to provide a guaranteed family pension benefit in case of death of a government employee after retirement, which was not available under the NPS. Eligible employees can opt for UPS or remain affiliated with NPS.
The UPS will provide a pension of 50% of the average basic pay or basic pay earned in the 12 months preceding retirement, with a minimum pension amount of Rs 10,000 after completing 10 years of service. In the event of the employee’s death after retirement, the family will receive a pension of 60% of the employee’s pension. This move is expected to bring relief to thousands of government employees in the state.
Antyodaya Gruha Yojana: Affordable Housing for the Needy
The Odisha government has also launched the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, aimed at providing affordable housing to economically weaker sections, including those denied houses under PMAY, displacement, and other factors. The scheme will construct 2.25 lakh houses over three years, with an investment of Rs 7,550 crore.
Beneficiaries will receive financial assistance of Rs 1.20 lakh to construct houses, with provisions similar to PMAY. The scheme also provides for a bonus of Rs 20,000 for those who complete their houses within four months of getting the work order, and Rs 10,000 for those who finish within six months. The definition of a family has been simplified under the scheme, including the husband, wife, dependent parents, and children.
Sports Infrastructure Development: Block-Level Stadiums
To strengthen sports infrastructure at the grassroots level, the government has approved a new scheme for constructing block-level stadiums in all 314 blocks of the state. This initiative will receive an outlay of Rs 4,124 crore over five years in phases. The scheme aims to promote sports and physical education among children and youth, and provide opportunities for talented athletes to showcase their skills.
Other Developments: Bridge Constructions and More
The government has also decided to construct new bridges, including one over the Brahmani River on the Cuttack-Chandbali road in Kendrapara district, and another over the Mahanadi at Pujaripalli Ghat in Jharsuguda district. These bridges will improve connectivity and facilitate the movement of people and goods.
A Boost to Education and Healthcare
The Cabinet meeting also approved several proposals related to education and healthcare. These include the establishment of new schools and colleges, upgradation of existing healthcare facilities, and recruitment of additional staff in the education and healthcare sectors.
A Step Towards Inclusive Development
The Odisha government’s initiatives are a step towards inclusive development, aiming to benefit various sections of society. The Unified Pension Scheme will provide financial security to government employees, while the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana will provide affordable housing to the economically weaker sections. The sports infrastructure development scheme will promote sports and physical education among children and youth.
Overall, the Odisha government’s announcements mark a significant step towards improving the lives of its citizens. With these initiatives, the state government aims to provide better social security, affordable housing, and sports infrastructure development.
