Odisha govt to act tough against non-performing, corrupt officials

Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja has issued a strong warning to civil servants, reaffirming the State's strict ‘zero-tolerance’ stance on corruption. In a recently released circular, all government departments have been ordered to implement severe actions against officials showing inefficiency or engaging in corrupt practices.

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Measures such as immediate suspension and compulsory retirement are to be employed to preserve administrative integrity.

The announcement has sparked varied political reactions. Congress party has been vocal in its criticism and has suggested that mere suspensions are insufficient. The party advocated for termination to tackle the alleged pervasive corruption prevalent throughout the State government's hierarchy.

Reactions of the Opposition parties

“I would suggest that the Government should terminate and give strong punishment rather suspending the corrupt and incapable officials. It should rectify the entire system to prevent corruption from top level to the bottom. Vigilance department should be strengthened and supported with adequate manpower,” Congress MLA Sofia Firdous said.

Meanwhile, the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has dismissed the measures as superficial, accusing the BJP-led government of doing publicity stunts without real substance or control over administrative shortcomings.

“Officers (bureaucrats) are always the Malik (meaning ‘all-in-all’). They are like horses and it is better if the government can make them run using Lagam (meaning ‘bridles and reins’). There is nothing to say but to implement,” BJD leader Badri Narayan Patra stated.

The BJP, however, has expressed support for the Chief Secretary's initiatives, commending the government's effort to purge the administration of corrupt officials who allegedly flourished under past administrations. BJP representatives argue that these steps represent a decisive action to eliminate corruption and maintain systemic integrity.

“Several officers remained at one place for long years during the previous government and became corrupt. The current government wants to drive them out. The Government has adopted a ‘zero-tolerance policy’,” BJP MLA, Ashwini Sarangi expressed.

Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, speaking at the latest session of the Legislative Assembly, reiterated the State's unwavering commitment to an anti-corruption agenda. He cited records from the past five years showing that 159 officials have been forced to resign, 120 dismissed for corruption and irregular assets, and 39 compulsorily retired.

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The resolute approach by the Chief Secretary resonates with former bureaucrats, who believe that only through rigorous enforcement can a culture of integrity be fostered among government officials.