Odisha govt bans foreign, outstation tours of officials during Assembly session

In a bid to ensure smooth functioning of the upcoming Odisha Assembly session, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has issued strict instructions prohibiting senior government officials from undertaking foreign trips, outstation visits, or even convening meetings outside their headquarters during the week-long session.

In his directive addressed to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioners, and Secretaries of departments, Ahuja reminded that the fourth session of the 17th Odisha Legislative Assembly will commence on September 18 and conclude on September 25. Despite being a short session, it will involve important government business, including questions, departmental replies, and presentations that must be handled with seriousness and urgency.

The Chief Secretary has directed officials to accord top priority to Assembly-related work. Replies to questions and data for discussions in the House should be submitted accurately and within stipulated deadlines. He emphasized that senior officials must personally monitor this process instead of leaving it entirely to subordinate staff.

The letter further mentions that foreign tours, field visits, and even pre-scheduled travel plans of senior officers should be postponed. If meetings are required, departments have been asked to make maximum use of video conferencing to avoid unnecessary travel during the session.

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Additionally, Ahuja underlined the importance of monitoring media reports closely during the Assembly session. Departments have been told to review prominent news items appearing in newspapers and take appropriate, timely action wherever required.

“The priority during the Assembly session is timely coordination and effective handling of House-related matters,” Ahuja stressed in the directive.