Bhubaneswar: The state Cabinet on Wednesday approved the Odisha City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy to accelerate the expansion of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure in line with the national push for cleaner and sustainable energy.
The policy seeks to address longstanding bottlenecks such as multi-agency approvals and the absence of a unified regulatory framework. By streamlining processes and improving inter-departmental coordination, the government aims to ensure faster rollout and timely implementation of CGD projects.
The policy lays down a clear roadmap to establish a robust ecosystem for PNG and CNG infrastructure, while promoting the adoption of cleaner fuels among households, industries, and transport sectors. It also emphasizes maintaining safe and reliable gas supply through structured asset management systems.
In a convergence-driven approach, the policy enables coordination for compressed biogas (CBG) plant development under the Swachh Bharat Mission, further strengthening Odisha’s clean energy ambitions.
The Housing & Urban Development Department will serve as the nodal agency for implementation. A State-level High-Powered Committee and District Monitoring Committees will oversee execution and ensure adherence to timelines.
Officials said the policy is designed to impose no financial burden on the state exchequer, while creating a conducive environment for private sector participation. It is expected to attract significant investments, generate employment opportunities, and improve ease of doing business in the state.
To incentivize early adoption, the government has proposed a one-time moratorium on approval fees for CGD projects until March 2027.
The initiative marks a major step toward
s enhancing energy security, promoting environmental sustainability, and improving the overall quality of life for citizens in Odisha.
The Cabinet also approved the framing of “Odisha State Allied and Healthcare Council Rules, 2026” under Section 68 (1) of the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.
The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions (NCAHP) was established on January 8, 2024, as the national regulatory body to regulate 56 recognized allied and healthcare professions that were not covered under the National Medical Commission, Dental Council of India, Indian Nursing Council, and Pharmacy Council of India until 2021. The new rules will standardize education and practices for all allied and healthcare professionals in the state.
They also mandate the creation and maintenance of an online Central Register of all registered professionals and will lay the foundation for regulating professional conduct, code of ethics, and etiquette.
Under the rules, a uniform entry examination with common counselling will be introduced for admission into UG, PG, and doctoral courses in allied and healthcare streams. A uniform exit or licensing examination will also be conducted.
In another decision, the Cabinet cleared the formulation of a new cadre rule — “The Odisha Transport-Traffic and Enforcement (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2026” — replacing the existing 2013 rules and subsequent amendments, in a move aimed at strengthening enforcement and road safety mechanisms in the state.
The new rules will supersede “The Odisha Transport-Traffic and Enforcement (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2013” and incorporate all amendments made over the years, along with provisions for newly created posts within the Transport-Traffic Enforcement cadre under the Commerce & Transport Department.
Under the 2013 framework, the cadre comprised posts such as Traffic Constable, Assistant Sub-Inspector (Traffic), Sub-Inspector (Traffic), Inspector (Traffic) and Deputy Superintendent (Traffic). Subsequent amendments had altered recruitment procedures and service conditions.
As per a 2013 amendment, recruitment for the post of Traffic Constable through direct recruitment was shifted to the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission from the Odisha Sub-Ordinate Staff Selection Commission.