Odisha Government Cracks Down on Unauthorized Visits by Officials

Government's Directive to District Collectors

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government has expressed significant dissatisfaction regarding the increasing number of unauthorized visits by field officials to various offices in Bhubaneswar. In response, the government has instructed all district collectors (DCs) to issue warnings to officers from the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS), emphasizing that they must not visit the Lok Seva Bhawan, the state secretariat, or other departmental headquarters without prior authorization.

In a stern letter sent to district collectors, the Revenue and Disaster Management department conveyed its serious concerns about the unauthorized presence of OAS and ORS officers at the Lok Seva Bhawan and other state offices.

The department highlighted that numerous officers have been absent from their designated headquarters without proper authorization and are often seen in the corridors of Lok Seva Bhawan and other state offices in Bhubaneswar without the necessary approvals.

"This situation is alarming as these officers are neglecting their responsibilities at their respective headquarters and are often engaged in personal matters during official hours, which hinders the public's access to timely revenue services," the revenue department stated.

The collectors have been tasked with warning the non-compliant officers and advising them against such behaviors. The department has also indicated that strict disciplinary measures will be enforced against any officers who continue these practices.

"You are therefore requested to caution these officers and prevent such actions. Should any similar incidents occur in the future, the government will take them very seriously, and appropriate disciplinary actions will be initiated against the involved officers. This matter should be treated with utmost importance and communicated to all subordinate officers under your jurisdiction," the department warned.