To check corruption in the public distribution system (PDS), the state cabinet has decided to provide coupons for purchase of foodgrains at ration shops. The state chief minister had informed the state Assembly the other day about implementation of this system and had admitted that PDS shops hardly remained open and the poor suffered the most. “The state cabinet has unanimously supported this decision so that ration shop contractors can ensure supply of foodgrains to the public. The coupons will be issued to public from November 1, the foundation day of the state,” Parliamentary Affairs Minister Narottam Mishra said. The state government has also decided to make it mandatory to open all ration shops on all working days.
Taking cue from the Centre’s decision, the state government has also extended the upper age limit in government jobs from existing 35 years to 40 years while the same has been extended to 45 years in case of scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates.
“The Centre has extended the upper age limit for its services, hence the state cabinet has also decided to extend the upper age limit in state services too,” the minister said.
The state cabinet in a meeting here also decided to recruit former teachers on contract basis, provided they have not attained the age of 70 years.
“We are facing shortage of staff in schools particularly in higher standard classes. Such teachers can resign from the contractual service after giving one month notice. The teachers will not be transferred nor be attached to any other service. These recruitments will soon be opened only in schools,” the minister said.
The teachers, however, will be given only optional and casual leaves. They will not be given other allowances admissible to other confirmed staffers.
The cabinet also decided to recruit “daily wage” employees for position of forest guard and 4,478 nursing staff from recognised private nursing schools and colleges.
