Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The State Assembly passed the Odisha Maritime Board Bill, 2020, clearing the mode for the constitution of the maritime board for the integrated development of ports and maritime enterprises.
As per the report the Board will be headed by the Chief Secretary and the Transport Secretary will work as the member secretary of the twelve member board.
The report furthers says that around 14 non-major ports would be developed following which 14 sites have been identified and out of these 14 ports, Gopalpur and Dhamra are operational while Astarang and Subarnarekha are to be functional soon.
Padmanabh Behera Commerce and Transport Minister stated that for the development of the port sector and maritime activities this Bill will formulate policies and make out essential plans. Even the Board will act as a facilitator and attract private investment for the port sector.
Behera also informed that the board will also work for the construction, maintenance, and operation of non-major ports. The government already has reserved its right to thaw the board if the government observes that the board violates the designated guidelines.
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