Officer Raj in Cuttack! Barabati-Cuttack MLA brings misconduct allegation against official

Barabati-Cuttack Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) Sofia Firdous voiced allegations against officials for apparently not respecting directives from legislative authorities. 

During a surprise visit to the Survey and Map Publication office at Jobra in Cuttack, Sofia pointed out that the Additional Director of the office Rajani Jani, dismissed her concerns and chose to act independently. 

MLA Sofia visited the office to address enduring employee demands, particularly concerning pensions. She conveyed her disappointment, stating that during their discussion, Jani showed a reluctance to engage with the government’s position and maintained a personal stance.

“The pensions of the retired employees have been withheld since last August. How will they run their families? Suspension allowances of the suspended employees have not been provided as well. When I discussed the matter with the Additional Director, she told me that she would not provide the amount and asked me to move with contempt proceedings. She has been vindictive in tormenting the family members of the retired employees which is not right. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister of the concerned Department,” said Sofia.

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However, Jani denied any misconduct claims involving the department. 

“The pensions have been withheld due to some reasons. The Director has been entrusted with the responsibility to launch an investigation into it. The government will take a decision in this regard after receiving the report,” said Jani.

Meanwhile, former employees are threatening to stage protests outside the Chief Minister’s residence unless their grievances are promptly resolved.

“We have been requesting the government to remove the Additional Director immediately. She has been involved in corruption activities of more than Rs 17 lakh. In our next move, we will approach the Secretary and the Minister of the Department and eventually the Chief Minister,” said Pratap Das, Adviser ofthe  Odisha Employees Association.