Entrepreneurs, RTI activists demand probe into Startup Odisha executive chairman Omkar Rai’s appointment

Several entrepreneurs and RTI activists have now demanded a detailed investigation into the appointment of Startup Odisha executive chairman Omkar Rai who has been asked by the Odisha government to return excess salary to the tune of over Rs 9 lakh.

OTV has the possession of the demand notice issued to Rai by the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) department. It is alleged that Rai managed to get the appointment by forgery and drawing a hefty salary from the Startup Odisha.

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It is alleged that Rai was working as STPI director and managed to get the new appointment by claiming himself as STPI DG. The then IT Secretary Manoj Mishra under the previous BJD government had appointed Rai and fixed a salary of Rs 2,25,000 per month along with TA, DA and other benefits.

After his appointment, Rai allegedly gave appointments to his friends and relatives which has also now come under scanner.

Under such alleged irregularities, entrepreneurs and RTI activists have demanded to bring the then IT Secretary under the purview of the probe and collection of the entire excess salary of over Rs 9 lakh from Rai.

“The Odisha government should immediately order collection of the excess salary from Omkar Rai fully and not in instalments,” said Sakyasingh Mohapatra, MD, Sac Robotics.

RTI Activist Pradip Pradhan said, “The total appointment process, including who brought Omkar Rai and what was the procedure in selection adopted. Only a probe can reveal the truth. The government should order a detailed investigation and the role of the then IT Secretary should also be probed so that many hidden facts come to the fore.”

Meanwhile, MSME Minister Gokulananda Mishra said, “We are investigating taking into account various aspects including appointment and salary. If irregularities are found, action will be taken.”

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