Odisha Cabinet Greenlights Temple Revamp, Rural School Push, and Labour Reforms
Bhubaneswar, Sept 29: In a landmark 27th Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the Odisha government approved four transformative proposals spanning infrastructure, education, and labour reforms.
Temple Development: Maa Tarini Gets Rs 226 Crore Boost
The iconic Maa Tarini Temple in Ghatagaon, Keonjhar, is set for a major facelift. With Rs 226 crore sanctioned, the project will modernise 59.2 acres of temple precincts, including a 216-bed guest house, food plaza, market complex, and interpretation centre. M/s Dillip Construction Pvt. Ltd. has been awarded the Rs 146 crore contract (excluding GST), with completion targeted in 24 months. The initiative is expected to elevate Ghatagaon’s profile as a religious tourism hub.
Education Reform: 2,200 Model Schools Under GAV Scheme
The Cabinet approved the Godavarish Adarsha Vidyalaya (GAV) Scheme to establish 2,200 model schools across Gram Panchayats between 2025–28. With a projected budget of Rs 12,000 crore, each school will cost around Rs 5 crore.
The initiative aligns with the RTE Act, NEP 2020, and NIPUN Odisha Mission, aiming to ensure foundational literacy, equitable access, and community-driven education.
Labour Reforms: Shops Act Overhauled for Flexibility and Inclusion
Two proposals under the Labour Department were passed to amend the Odisha Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1956:
- Daily working hours increased to 10.
- Overtime limit raised to 144 hours per quarter, with double wages for excess hours.
- Establishments can operate 24/7, 365 days a year.
- Women can now work night shifts with consent and safety provisions.
These reforms are designed to enhance ease of doing business, empower workers—especially women—and stimulate economic activity across sectors.
