Bhubaneswar, June 13: In a move aimed at strengthening governance and improving administrative efficiency in the handicrafts sector, the Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved the Odisha Handicrafts Ministerial Service (Method of Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2026.
The newly framed rules will regulate the recruitment process and service conditions of ministerial employees working under the Directorate of Handicrafts and its district-level offices functioning under the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department.
Odisha is renowned for its rich handicrafts tradition, including iconic art forms such as Pattachitra, Pipili Appliqué Work, and Dhokra Art. These crafts are deeply linked to the state's cultural heritage, folklore, and traditions associated with Lord Jagannath.
The handicrafts sector underwent a major administrative change in 2011 when it was separated from the Industries and MSME Department and merged with the Handlooms and Textiles Department. Following further restructuring in 2020, the Directorate of Handicrafts has been functioning under the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts Department since April 2021. Currently, 30 district-level offices headed by Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors are operating across Odisha to support handicrafts development at the grassroots level.
As part of the reform initiative, the state government has also approved the restructuring of the Odisha Handicrafts Ministerial Service Cadre, increasing its strength from 108 to 111 posts. The restructuring is in line with the uniform pay structure model prescribed for district ministerial cadres by the General Administration and Public Grievance Department.
Under the revised cadre structure notified in November 2025, the pay hierarchy under the ORSP Rules, 2017 has been streamlined. The cadre will now include Junior Assistant (Level-04) as the entry-level position, followed by Senior Assistant (Level-08), Assistant Section Officer (Level-09), Section Officer (Level-10), Establishment Officer (Level-11), and Senior Establishment Officer (Level-12) as the highest rank.
Officials said the new rules clearly define recruitment procedures, service conditions, and promotion avenues for ministerial staff. The reform is expected to improve cadre management, ensure transparency in appointments, and create better career progression opportunities for employees.
The proposal received approval from the General Administration and Public Grievance Department, the Finance Department, and was vetted by the Law Department before being placed before the Cabinet.
The government believes the initiative will streamline administration, strengthen institutional capacity, and enhance the effective implementation of handicrafts development programmes, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of Odisha’s traditional crafts sector.
