Leprosy, TB-afflicted persons can now contest

BHUBANESWAR: Leprosy-affected and persons suffering from tuberculosis, who have been debarred from contesting election for the urban local bodies so far, will get an opportunity to fulfil their dreams. The State Cabinet on Tuesday gave assent to the Housing and Urban Development Department proposal for amendment of the Orissa Municipal Act, 1950, and Orissa Municipal Corporation Act, 2003, to enable people suffering from the two diseases to contest election.The decision to amend the Act regulating election to the urban local bodies was taken on the recommendation of the Rajya Sabha petition committee.PRINCIPAL POSTS: In view of the large number of vacancies for the post of principals in Government degree colleges, the State Cabinet also decided to bring changes in the Orissa Education Service (SAG) Recruitment Amendment Rules, 2011, to facilitate filling up of these posts with senior teachers in the Reader’s grade. As per the existing rules, only professor grade teachers are eligible for the post of principal. The Orissa Public Service Commission will prepare a gradation list of Readers as per their seniority and selection of principals will be made from the list.SECURITY TO UNITS: The Cabinet also approved the Home Department proposal for enactment of a special legislation to constitute and regulate armed forces for protection of industrial undertakings both in Government and private sectors, autonomous bodies, strategic and vital organisations.The Commerce and Transport (Commerce) Department proposal for amendment with regard to the procedure for recruitment of director in the Directorate of Ports and Inland Water Transport was also approved by the Cabinet.As per the November 27, 2006 resolution, a person having qualification of marine engineering is suitable for the post of director. The post is lying vacant due to non-availability of a marine engineer. The department has proposed to bring necessary changes in the recruitment rules to post a superintending engineer from the Water Resources Department through deputation.