The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday approved 10 major proposals related to seven departments, paving the way for significant reforms in the judiciary, fisheries, power infrastructure, administration and ease of doing business in the state.

One of the key decisions taken during the Cabinet meeting was related to judicial administration. Female Group-D employees working in courts will now become eligible for promotion to the post of junior clerk. The Cabinet also approved the regularisation of Court Manager posts. The appointments in High Court and district courts will be made in accordance with directives issued by the Supreme Court of India.

The Cabinet also approved the introduction of the new Odisha Marine Fishing Regulation Act, 2026, aimed at curbing illegal fishing activities along the state’s coastline. The proposed law is expected to strengthen regulation and monitoring mechanisms in the marine fisheries sector.

In another important decision, the government approved the Archaeological Curator Service Rules, 2026, under which fresh guidelines for recruitment and promotion in the archaeology department will be framed.

Changes have also been made in the ministerial recruitment rules of the ST & SC Development Department. The amendment is expected to simplify and accelerate the promotion process for Circle Inspectors in the department.

The Cabinet further approved an ₹854-crore power infrastructure project. Under the proposal, Odisha Power Transmission Corporation Limited (OPTCL) will establish a 400 KV grid station along with associated transmission lines to strengthen the state’s electricity network and improve power transmission capacity.

In a move aimed at improving ease of doing business, the Cabinet relaxed rules for obtaining petrol pump licences. Under the revised system, retail sale licences will no longer be mandatory for petrol pumps. Instead, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) issued by the district collector will be sufficient for approval.

Additionally, based on recommendations made by the Law Commission, the Cabinet approved the repeal of 358 amendment acts under the Law Department. The decision is aimed at removing outdated and redundant legal provisions to streamline governance and simplify the legal framework in the state.

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The Cabinet decisions are being viewed as part of the state government’s broader push towards administrative reform, infrastructure expansion and regulatory simplification across multiple sectors.