Odisha warns stern action against employees if trying to influence for transfers, postings

Taking stern note of instances where some government employees resort to influence their transfer and posting by exerting extraneous influence, the Odisha government has come up with a special plan to deal with violations.

The state government has now prohibited the employees from exercising any form of influence, direct or indirect, to secure favourable transfers and postings, read a letter by Odisha Chief Secretary to all department secretaries.

In his letter, Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that such practice of exerting extraneous influence is a clear-cut violation of Rule 23 of the Odisha Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1959.

The Rules clearly states that:

"No Government servant shall bring or attempt to bring any influence whether official or non-official to bear upon any authority to further his interests in respect of matters pertaining to his appointment under Government, promotion, pay and other service conditions." 

Government employees are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity and conduct, upholding the principles of fairness and transparency in all service matters, the letter read.

"Transfers and postings of employees are usually taken up as per the administrative exigencies, considering merit, and following established procedures. Any attempt to circumvent this process will be viewed as a serious misconduct, which will attract disciplinary action. All Government employees are, therefore, prohibited from exercising any form of influence, direct or indirect, to secure favourable transfers or postings," the letter added.