Odisha babus under scanner; crackdown begins on non-performer, corrupt officials

In a major administrative shake-up on Friday, the Odisha government began acting tough on underperforming and corrupt officials across departments. Following orders from the Chief Secretary, all departments have initiated a thorough review of officers with pending disciplinary cases and questionable conduct.

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Several departments have failed to submit timely lists of errant officials, despite repeated reminders. However, the pressure is mounting as Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja intensifies scrutiny. Based on the collected data, a series of actions has already begun.

The Commerce & Transport department has reported six officials, who are under disciplinary probe. Shocking revelations include sexual harassment allegations against an ASO (assistant section officer) and two others, while two more are involved in criminal cases. One ASO has allegedly been caught in a corruption case, while another remains on unapproved leave.

Meanwhile, four officers from Boudh district have been suspended after photos went viral on social media showing them vacationing abroad while on medical leave. The suspended officials are Satyajit Kar (Boudh PACS secretary), Debashis Mishra (Khuntabandh secretary), and Sanjeeb Pradhan (Lunibahal secretary). Action against deputy registrar of cooperative societies (DRCS) Girish Purohit has also been recommended.

This move comes as part of a government initiative to restore discipline and accountability in the public administration system. As the departments gear up to meet deadlines for submitting lists, the State government is also preparing to install AI-enabled surveillance cameras in offices to track attendance and work ethics of officers.

The message is quite clear. No more tolerance for absenteeism, misconduct, or corruption in Odisha government offices.

“We have already suspended three of our PACS secretaries, and written to the Cooperation Department to take action against DRCS Girish Purohit. We have also recommended a detailed inquiry,” Boudh Additional Collector, Aniruddha Pradhan, said.