Odisha to cover 45 lakh farmers under Kalia by March-end

BHUBANESWAR: Even as the state government has already covered more than 32 lakh farmers under the Kalia scheme, the state cabinet on Tuesday decided to add 10 lakh additional farmers under the scheme during 2018-19 financial year.

According to official sources, the state government targets to cover total 45 lakh beneficiaries including small and marginal farmers, share croppers, landless farmers during the current fiscal year.

“The decision was taken to ensure that no eligible beneficiary should be left behind. The chief minister has also instructed to ensure it,” said chief secretary A P Padhi.

The move is seen as an attempt by the ruling party to garner support of farmers in the run up to the polls as the income support scheme has been very popular among farmers.

Though it was decided to release the subsequent phases of Kalia installment on Akshaya Tritiya for Kharif crop and Nuakhai for Rabi crop, the cabinet decided to sanction it on April 1 for Kharif and September 1 for Rabi season.

“The decision was taken to help the farmers to purchase the agricultural inputs like seeds and fertilizer prior to beginning of the season as agricultural activities for Kharif and Rabi seasons start on Akshaya Tritiya and Nuakhai respectively,” said Padhi.

Ahead of polls, the state cabinet also approved restructuring of the Odisha Elementary Education Service cadre to give more promotional opportunities to teachers and headmasters working in various primary schools. The decision would help more than 72,000 elementary teachers and headmasters.

The restructuring will provide scope for at least three promotions—senior teacher, graduate teacher and senior headmaster—for the elementary teachers. The decision will have an annual financial burden of Rs 454 crore on the state coffer.

Restructuring of the Odisha Engineering Services cadre has been considered by the state cabinet. The decision will remove stagnation in promotion. The decision will benefit around 3,130 engineers serving in various state government departments.

Among others, the cabinet approved the Dynamic Assured Career Progression scheme for doctors working with the state government. The decision will provide them three assured promotions after seven years, 14 years and 2l years of their service counted from the direct entry level.

Keeping in view of public interest, the cabinet cleared some amendments to the Odisha Fire Prevention and Fire Safety Rules. The cabinet also cleared incentives for departments using Odia for their official communication.