Odisha government led by Naveen Patnaik has approved the setting up of Odisha Maritime Board. The Board will look after the administration, management, and development of ports and inland water ports.
The decision was taken up in a state cabinet meeting held on Friday. The cabinet has decided that the established board will function as a single-window interface for the development of maritime in the state.
Chief Secretary AP Padhi speaking to the media said that the establishment of board is taken up considering the future needs of industries in the state. In 2011, a bill providing the set up of similar body was passed but was withdrawn later due to some issues.
The official said that the board will be beneficial in framing integrated policies and guidelines for port development. It will also provide for the construction, maintenance and operation of state’s non-major ports directly or through PPP (Public-Private-Partnership) model.
The Board will have 12 members with Chief Secretary as its chairperson. There is also the provision of representation from stakeholders from various departments.
Naveen Patnaik’s government also took up other reforms measures. The state cabinet has decided to execute the recommendations of Justice BP Das Commission which looked into the matters of the safety and security of pilgrims at Puri’s Jagannath temple. For implementing the recommendations, it has been decided that a 75-meter radius around the temple will be cleared off to ensure the movement of visitors.
An amendment to Odisha Police Service (Method of Recruitment and Condition of Service) Rule, 2013 was also taken up to eliminate the constraints in the rules. Odisha government has also approved for financial restructuring of the Odisha State Road Transport Corporation.
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