‘No attendance, no pay’; Mahanga officials penalised by Cuttack administration

In a significant administrative action, the salaries of all employees of the Mahanga block in Cuttack district have been withheld following the directive of the District Collector. Acting on the Collector's recommendation, the District Development Officer (DDO) has ordered the salary suspension due to employee absenteeism during an emergency and non-compliance with biometric attendance protocols.

On July 26, the district administration had declared an emergency given a heavy rain forecast and directed all block-level staff to remain present at their respective offices. However, it was found that most employees were absent from duty on that day.

Furthermore, despite previous instructions from the Collector during a public hearing to ensure biometric attendance systems were in place, the order was not implemented.

Taking these violations seriously, the DDO has withheld the employees' salaries. The suspension will remain in effect until the employees submit satisfactory explanations for their absence and the failure to follow biometric attendance procedures.

“The Collector had directed all government officials of Cuttack district to remain present on July 26. But none from the Mahanga block were present. Secondly, they were directed to install a biometric machine to keep track of attendance, but it is yet been done. So their salaries have been withheld,” said Prashant Kumar Nayak, DDO.

Nayak further said, “Once they comply with a satisfactory response, their salaries will be released.”