Odisha Cabinet approves equity share transfer to Adani Ports and rules for ex-Agniveers' job reservations

Bhubaneswar, Sept 12: The Odisha Cabinet today approved several key decisions, including the transfer of equity shares to Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Limited (APSEZ) from Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Private Limited and Odisha Stevedores Limited. The Cabinet also sanctioned the signing of a Revised Concession Agreement between the Directorate of Ports & IWT, C&T Department, and Gopalpur Ports Ltd (GPL). Additionally, the Cabinet amended the OCS(RA) Rules, 2020.

Gopalpur Ports Ltd received approval to transfer 95% of its equity shares to APSEZ, with 56% coming from Shapoorji Pallonji Port Maintenance Private Limited and 39% from Odisha Stevedores Limited. The Cabinet also authorized the signing of the Revised Concession Agreement for the further development and expansion of Gopalpur Ports Ltd.

The Cabinet endorsed the drafting of the Odisha Ex-Agniveers (Recruitment to Uniform Services) Rules, 2024. These new rules aim to offer ample job opportunities in uniform services—such as Police, Forest, Excise, and Fire—to ex-Agniveers. The proposal includes a 10% horizontal reservation for ex-Agniveers in all Group 'C' and 'D' posts within uniform services, in addition to the existing reservation for ex-servicemen, provided they meet the required qualifications.

Furthermore, the Cabinet approved an amendment to the OCS(RA) Rules, 2020. Previously, only unmarried daughters and stepdaughters of deceased government employees were eligible for compassionate appointments. The amendment will now consider all daughters and stepdaughters for such appointments, regardless of marital status, provided they can demonstrate dependency on their parents, as stated by Odisha Chief Secretary Mohan Ahuja following the Cabinet meeting.