Odisha: State Cabinet Approves Cadre Restructuring Proposal of Women & Child Development Dept

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has approved the cadre restructuring proposal of the Department of Women and Child Development.
The cadre restructuring plan aims at bolstering effectiveness, addressing implementation gaps, creating a permanent technical support unit and creating career progression opportunities for the department’s dedicated employees. This will transform the department’s operations and enhance its capacity to serve the welfare needs of women and children in the state, according to an official release.

The Cadre restructuring plan proposes the creation of new posts at various levels to facilitate better implementation of schemes and programs related to women and child welfare.

The key aspects of the decision include:

1. CDPO/PO/Protection Officer-cum-Programme Officer (L-10): The existing 371 posts will be augmented with the creation of 93 new positions, bringing the total to 464. These officers will play a crucial role in executing a wide range of welfare schemes and programs.

2. DSW0s/SWO/AD-cum-US (L-12): The existing 37 posts will be expanded by introducing 13 new positions, resulting in a total of 50 posts. These officers will be entrusted with monitoring activities, ensuring seamless service delivery, and offering real-time solutions. They will serve as an experienced, sector-specialist technical support unit that would help in evidence-basedpolicymaking. They would also improve the communication between the Department and the field functionaries.

3. Deputy Director-cum-Deputy Secretary (L-13): The existing 1 post will be multiplied by three, with the introduction of 2 new positions. These officers will coordinate activities, oversee implementation, and provide support to DSW0s and AD-cum-USs. The restructuring plan is driven by the urgent need to improve the monitoring and implementation of welfare programs, address operational challenges, provide field experience and policy insights, and reinforce child protection measures.

The proposed restructuring is estimated to require an annual financial investment of approximately Rs. 10.756 crore, which will be supported entirely by the state budget. This initiative represents a significant step toward enhancing service delivery, closing implementation gaps, and fortifying the department’s ability to fulfil its mission of ensuring the well-being of women and children in Odisha and ensuring the Odisha continues to lead in the sector of nutrition in the country.