Odisha cabinet decides on education, road and health: Addressing regional problem in KBK missing

Note: Cabinet has taken some good steps for teachers who are getting UGC scale, but it has not taken any initiative for those who are not getting UGC scale, without addressing their problem quality education in colleges would not improve in the state. Similarly, there is no special package for KBK in primary education, higher education, health, road and even for new bridges.




Cabinet decides to open more schools
The Pioneer, Nov 14, 2009
Pioneer News Service | Bhubaneswar

The State Cabinet which met here on Friday took a number of decisions starting from fresh appointment of Sikshya Sahayaks (para-teachers), implementing UGS scales, procurement of paddy through different organisations, forming new rules on toll gates and rules regarding implementation of corporate governance manuals.

While briefing the Cabinet decisions in presence of a number of department secretaries, Chief Secretary TK Mishra said the State Government would open 1,703 new primary schools, 928 new upper primary schools and upgrade 5,616 schools to Class VIII.

“Another 17,820 Sikhya Sahayaks will be appointed to this effect,” he said, adding that emphasis would be given to recruit trained teachers both at the Bed and CT level.

Moreover, 10,534 trained science graduates, 1542 arts trained graduates, 2,931 Plus Two Science College and 2,831 Metric CT would be recruited as para teachers. The education district will be treated as a unit. A candidate can apply from any education district of the State. But he has to submit an affidavit that he is applying from only one district. If Government did not get trained teachers, it can appoint non-trained teachers. But the teachers who get an appointment would have to give in writing that he or she would do the Bed or CT within five years of his or her appointment.

Industry Secretary Saurbha Garg said that the Department of Public Enterprises has developed a Corporate Governance Manual for State Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The guidelines in the manuals are also applicable to the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha Limited (IDCO). As per the manual, the mandate of the PSUs will be drawn up once in every five years by the Government taking into account the current scenario.

It was also decided to link performance to motivate employees to achieve the expected level of performances. PSUs can now hire professionals in the rank of Managing Directors (MD) from the open market whenever felt necessary by Government. The MD would be recruited through open advertisements or through professional recruitment firms.

The Public Enterprises Selection Board would be recast to include professionals and experts in the relevant fields. It was also decided to sign anMoU between the Government through the administrative department of the PSU and the PSU board.

Henceforth, the managing directors of all profit making PSUs shall develop a performance linked incentive schemes for implementation with due approvals.

The Government has also set a target of procuring 32 lakh metric tonnes of rice. "We have given a target of procuring eight lakh MT of rice to the Food Corporation of India. Last year, their performance was dismal. But they have assured to procure the paddy” Chief Secretary Mishra said, adding that Union Food Secretaries along with the FCI Chairman are coming to Odisha to review the situation.

On the issue of UGC scales, Higher Education Secretary Madhu Sudan Padhi said UGC would stop giving money to the State for giving UGC pay scales to about 5,567 teaching staff from March, 2010.

“However, the State Government will bear the additional burden of Rs 126.70 crore for this purpose,” he said, adding that a Professor would get a salary of Rs 68,000.

The State Cabinet also decided to bring Odisha Toll Act- 2009. Under this Act, toll gates would be set up on Public-Private Partnership mode. "Private parties would be allowed to set up toll gates. But they have to enter into an agreement. If they construct a certain road, private parties can collect toll tax," said Works Secretary Subhendu Kumar Ray.

The Cabinet also gave its approval to remove the anomalies related to pensions. "A job holder will get pension as per his original post but not for the temporary posting," he said. It has also given its nod to regularise the jobs of 326 adhoc nurses who were given appointments in 1995, 1996 and 1997.


Samaja, Nov  14, 2009