By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, May 6, 2016 : The Odisha Cabinet on Friday endorsed a proposal to amend ‘The Orissa Grama Panchayat Act’ to facilitate creation of 500 new panchayats in the state.

The Amendment once implemented will create about 500-600 panchayats keeping in line with the promise made by the BJD in its 2014 poll manifesto to create a panchayat for every 1,000 population.

The Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here approved a proposal for establishment of a health university in the state. It also approved a proposal for grant of Rs 15 crore Cash credit to Aska Cooperative Sugar Factory, sources said.

A proposal to amend the Bihar and Orissa Places of Pilgrimage Act got the Cabinet’s nod, sources revealed.

The Cabinet which gave its approval to six proposals today also approved a proposal to give appointments to meritorious sports persons in government jobs, sources said.