Odisha Government Approves Job Reservation for Ex-Agniveers and Transfers Equity Shares to Adani Ports

The Odisha government approved reserving 10% jobs in uniform services for ex-Agniveers, and the transfer of equity shares to Adani Ports and SEZ Limited for Gopalpur Port development. The approvals were made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Other proposals included job provisions for unmarried daughters and stepdaughters of deceased government employees.

The Odisha government has greenlit a proposal to reserve 10% of jobs for ex-Agniveers in the state's uniform services.

In the same cabinet meeting, presided over by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, the government approved the transfer of equity shares to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) from Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Pvt Ltd and Odisha Stevedores Ltd. Additionally, the cabinet sanctioned provisions to offer jobs to unmarried daughters and stepdaughters of deceased government employees on compassionate grounds, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja announced.

The Odisha Ex-Agniveers (Recruitment to Uniform Services) Rules, 2024, were ratified to ensure a 10% reservation in Group C and D posts across various uniformed services, like police and fire services, for ex-Agniveers. This reservation exceeds the existing quotas for ex-servicemen, provided candidates meet the minimum qualifications. Benefits include a three-year age relaxation and exemption from physical efficiency tests.

Adani Ports previously acquired a controlling stake in Gopalpur Port, with 56% from Shapoorji Pallonji Group and 39% from Odisha Stevedores. Following procedural approval, the government sanctioned the transfer of equity shares and a revised concession agreement aiming at Gopalpur Port's expansion. Initially a fair-weather port, Gopalpur has seen transformations since 2003 into an all-weather seaport. Presently handling 11.43 million metric tonnes of cargo annually, expected expansions promise enhanced revenue and employment opportunities.

(With inputs from agencies.)