CM Majhi Approves Rs 1,500 Travel Allowance for Agriculture Overseers

Bhubaneswar, May 16

: In a move to strengthen agricultural support at the grassroots level, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved a significant hike in the monthly travel allowance for Agriculture Overseers. The allowance has been increased from Rs 450 to Rs 1,500 per month.

The decision was announced by the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) through a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The increase is aimed at encouraging regular field visits by Agriculture Overseers, who are required to travel at least 20 days each month to assist farmers and implement schemes.

“This hike in travel allowance will motivate Agriculture Overseers to engage more actively with farmers across rural areas. It ensures they can travel regularly to offer better support and guidance,” the CMO said in its statement.

The travel allowance for these officers was earlier set at Rs 300, which was revised to Rs 450 in 2023. Despite other government staff receiving revisions in their allowances, Agriculture Overseers had seen no further increase until now. The new amount is expected to bridge that gap and make travel more feasible for officers working in far-flung areas.

Currently, Odisha has 1,257 Agriculture Overseers working against a total of 1,567 approved positions. These officers play a vital role in delivering agricultural schemes, educating farmers about new technologies, and ensuring timely services like seed distribution, pest control, and crop advisory.

The decision is part of the government’s broader plan to improve agricultural extension services in the state. By supporting the frontline staff with better allowances, the government aims to improve the delivery of farming schemes and ensure that farmers in remote villages are not left behind.

Officials believe the move will help increase direct contact between Agriculture Overseers and farmers, leading to quicker problem-solving and stronger implementation of government programs.

This initiative reflects CM Majhi’s continued focus on agriculture and rural development, highlighting the government’s intent to build a more farmer-friendly and responsive system across Odisha.