Odisha approves major allowance hike for Fire and Emergency Services personnel

Bhubaneswar,(Orissa Today) Feb 4: The Mohan Majhi government on Tuesday approved a series of welfare measures for Odisha Fire and Emergency Services personnel, significantly revising and enhancing various allowances that had been under consideration for some time.
According to a notification issued by the Home Department, the government has extended and revised key financial benefits for the personnel, acknowledging their crucial role in emergency response and disaster management.
The major enhancements include:
House Rent Allowance (HRA): Firemen, Havildars, and equivalent ranks staying in barracks without official residential accommodation will now receive HRA based on their place of posting, regardless of their actual deployment location.
Special Diet Allowance: This allowance for Firemen, Havildars, and equivalent ranks has been increased from ₹900 to ₹1,400 per month to support their nutritional needs.
Motorcycle/Mobility Allowance: Previously given only to Station Officers and Assistant Fire Officers, this has now been extended to Assistant Station Officers and equivalent ranks, with the amount raised from ₹300 to ₹1,050 per month.
General Mobility Allowance: Firemen, Havildars, and equivalent ranks will now receive ₹300 per month, up from ₹150.
Risk Allowance: Personnel from the rank of Fireman up to Assistant Fire Officer will now get ₹1,000 per month, up from ₹400, recognizing the hazards they face in their line of duty.