OWSSB Approves Landmark Reforms to Boost Employee Morale

The Odisha Water Supply and Sewerage Board (OWSSB) has introduced sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing career growth and welfare for its workforce.

Engineers will now enjoy promotion parity with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) cadre, ensuring a transparent and merit‑based career path.

Assistant Project Engineers gain structured progression opportunities, while Deputy Project Engineers will be redesignated as Additional Project Engineers, with promotions capped at 40% of sanctioned strength.

For workers, the Board announced a daily incentive of Rs 200 for Daily Labour Roll (DLR) employees.

In a significant welfare measure, DLR staff who disengaged at age 60 will now qualify for gratuity, providing financial security postRs retirement.

The reforms also grant OWSSB greater financial autonomy, allowing internally generated funds to directly support project execution.

Governance changes include designating the Engineer‑in‑Chief as Member Secretary and forming a permanent sub‑committee to address complex technical and legal issues.

Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mohapatra emphasised that these measures uphold dignity and fairness for engineers and workers, while Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted their role in strengthening accountability and efficiency.

Senior officials from WATCO, OWSSB, and PH departments participated in the meeting.