Bhubaneswar: The state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, approved an outlay of Rs 1412.79 crore under ‘Integrated Development of Heritage Monuments and Tourist Destination (IDHMTD)’ in a bid to preserve and revitalise heritage monuments and temples. Official sources said 159 projects have been taken up under the scheme that would help reflect Odisha’s unique character by encouraging integrated development of an aesthetically appealing, accessible, informative, and secure environment, combined with efficient public facilities and infrastructure. The scheme will be implemented from 2020-21 to 2026-27. 7,142
Accountant-cum-DEO posts
The Cabinet also approved creation of as many as 7,142 ‘Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operator’ posts. According to sources, the state has a total of 6,794 gram panchayats (GPs). “There is devolution of funds under CFC and SFC grants along with various other state and Union government flagship programmes to GPs for implementation of several schemes at the GP level. “7,142 Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operators – Accountantcum-DEO— will work under the administrative control of the GPs,” an official said, adding that the decision will facilitate better, effective and timely regulation of official transactions, documentation of records, and financial management of various schemes. To make GP offices more vibrant and viable, a new rule – Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operator (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2022 – has been framed. As per the rules, 70 per cent of sanctioned posts of Accountantcum-Data Entry Operators shall be filled up by direct recruitment through an independent body –Odisha Sub Ordinate Staff Selection Commission. The rest 30 per cent of sanctioned posts of Accountant-cum-Data Entry Operators shall be filled up by absorbing the eligible Gram Rojgar Sevaks (GRSs) in the same with certain terms and conditions keeping in view the work experience of GRSs at the GP level. “But as a one-time measure, the GRSs, who have been selected under the MGNREGA scheme on a contract basis and have completed five years of continuous service and are otherwise eligible, shall be absorbed against existing vacancies,” said the official. In another decision, the Cabinet has approved the creation of Odisha Culture Development Service (OCDS) Cadre in the process of restructuring Odisha Culture Service Cadre. Official sources said the creation of OCDS will attract high-quality professionals to the culture sector for the promotion, protection, and conservation of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture with the overall cultural growth of the state.
Such cadre will ensure better management of the dedicated schemes taken up by the department. The Cabinet also approved the creation of the posts of Culture Development Officer, Assistant Director, Culture, Deputy Director, Culture, Joint Director Culture, and Additional Director, Culture in the OCDS Cadre. This will enrich the culture and heritage of the state and will meet the requirements of the required human resources. There will be the annual provision of an additional amount of approximately Rs 2.17 crore to meet the expenditure of the OCDS Cadre restructuring, official sources said.