Bhubaneswar: The State Government has decided to set up a State Water Informatics Centre (SWIC) dedicated to the handling of State-level water resources data.
The State Cabinet headed by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved a proposal in this regard today.
The SWIC will be set up to act as a dedicated organisation for coordination, collection and dissemination of water resources data of the State with the support and guidance from National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC).
The SWIC aimed at providing a comprehensive repository of hydro-meteorological data for the State. Under the purview of the Department of Water Resources, the Centre will be staffed with a proficient team well-versed in water resource management, data handling, and information technology, sourced from existing organizations or outsourced as needed, said Chief Secretary P K Jena.
This initiative represents a substantial leap forward in enhancing water resource management in Odisha, fostering informed decision-making and streamlined policy planning, he said.
The SWIC will seamlessly collaborate with the National Water Informatics Centre (NWIC) to facilitate the exchange of hydro-meteorological data between the Central and State Governments, he added.
Ensuring sustainability, Shri Jena said, the State Government commits to provide ongoing funding for SWIC’s operations beyond the National Hydrology Project (NHP) period, reaffirming its dedication to responsible water resource management.
The State Cabinet has also approved the proposal of regularization of 504 contractual supervisors of the Department of Women and Child Development, Odisha in its meeting held today, the CS informed.
Regularization of their services will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential services and support to vulnerable children and women in the community covered under the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) programs in the State, he said.
After considering their demand received through their associations and their representation before the Inter-Ministerial Committee has considered their case for regularization with an additional burden of Rs 18.51 crore per annum, Shri Jena pointed out.
The Chief Secretary said such regularization will inspire the educated women from rural and tribal areas to work as supervisors with commitment and dedication, which will help to enhance overall development of service delivery system. It will also improve the quality of services they provide, encouraging them to perform at their best, he added.
The Cabinet has approved amendments to the service rules of Multipurpose Health Workers (Male & Female), Radiographers, Pharmacists and nurses.
