Bhubaneswar, Feb 4 (PTI) – The Odisha government has introduced a new set of benefits for its Fire and Emergency Service personnel, including house rent allowances (HRA) and increased diet and mobility allowances. The move aims to better support firefighters and officers, particularly those residing in barracks without access to residential accommodation.
A notification issued by the state's Home Department reveals that the house rent allowance will now be provided to firemen, havildars, and other personnel in equivalent ranks who are stationed in barracks and do not receive residential housing. The rate of HRA will vary based on the place of posting, regardless of where personnel are actually deployed.
Additionally, the Odisha government has raised the special diet allowance for personnel in the ranks of fireman and havildar. This increase will boost the allowance from Rs 900 to Rs 1,400 per month, benefiting those who work in demanding conditions.
Further, the government has extended monthly mobility allowances, which were previously only given to station officers and assistant fire officers, to include assistant station officers and those holding equivalent positions. The mobility allowance for these officers has been increased from Rs 300 to Rs 1,050. Firemen, havildars, and other personnel in equivalent ranks will also see an enhancement, with their mobility allowance rising from Rs 150 to Rs 300.
The risk allowance, which compensates firefighters for the dangers associated with their work, has also been increased. Personnel from fireman to assistant fire officer ranks will now receive Rs 1,000 per month, up from Rs 400.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's office, on X (formerly Twitter), commended these changes as part of his commitment to improving the welfare and social security of firefighters. The Chief Minister's Office stated, "This initiative will benefit 6,058 firefighters and improve their working conditions."
These adjustments are part of a broader effort by the state government to ensure better support for those on the frontlines of fire and emergency services, highlighting the government's continued dedication to the welfare of its public service workers.
A notification issued by the state's Home Department reveals that the house rent allowance will now be provided to firemen, havildars, and other personnel in equivalent ranks who are stationed in barracks and do not receive residential housing. The rate of HRA will vary based on the place of posting, regardless of where personnel are actually deployed.
Additionally, the Odisha government has raised the special diet allowance for personnel in the ranks of fireman and havildar. This increase will boost the allowance from Rs 900 to Rs 1,400 per month, benefiting those who work in demanding conditions.
Further, the government has extended monthly mobility allowances, which were previously only given to station officers and assistant fire officers, to include assistant station officers and those holding equivalent positions. The mobility allowance for these officers has been increased from Rs 300 to Rs 1,050. Firemen, havildars, and other personnel in equivalent ranks will also see an enhancement, with their mobility allowance rising from Rs 150 to Rs 300.
The risk allowance, which compensates firefighters for the dangers associated with their work, has also been increased. Personnel from fireman to assistant fire officer ranks will now receive Rs 1,000 per month, up from Rs 400.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's office, on X (formerly Twitter), commended these changes as part of his commitment to improving the welfare and social security of firefighters. The Chief Minister's Office stated, "This initiative will benefit 6,058 firefighters and improve their working conditions."
These adjustments are part of a broader effort by the state government to ensure better support for those on the frontlines of fire and emergency services, highlighting the government's continued dedication to the welfare of its public service workers.
