Bhubaneswar: In a major move for the protection and preservation of Odisha’s rich cultural heritage, the state Cabinet on Wednesday approved the establishment of a separate Directorate of Archaeology. The Cabinet also cleared a proposal for the creation of the Odisha Archaeological Curator Service Rules.
The Cabinet, in its meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, accorded final approval to the proposal for setting up the Directorate of Archaeology and the restructuring of the Archaeological Curator Service.
The move also includes the formal notification of the “Odisha Archaeological Cura
tor Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2026”. The decision follows the initial Cabinet resolution taken on October 19, 2023. The new Directorate is expected to ensure better management, protection, and preservation of ancient temples, monuments, and other archaeological treasures scattered across the state.
Officials said the dedicated Directorate will play a key role in systematic conservation of archaeological sites, promotion of research activities, and wider publicity of Odisha’s glorious cultural heritage.
The new service rules have received necessary concurrence from the Departments of General Administration & Public Grievance, Finance, and Law. The Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has also given its approval, and the proposal received the nod of the Chief Minister prior to Cabinet approval.
The aim is to professionalise archaeological services and ensure more effective safeguarding of the state’s priceless historical monuments for future generations.