In a major decision, the Odisha government has removed as many as six officials who were allegedly holding particular positions for a long period of time, in the last couple of days.
The move comes after OTV recently telecast a report on how OAS officers were occupying key positions at Lok Seva Bhawan for years, allegedly due to political affiliations rather than merit.
Earlier on Thursday, the whip was cracked against highly influential officers like Rabi Sethi, who is the husband of former BJD MP from Jajpur- Sarmistha Sethi, Lala Manoj Kumar Roy, Subhranshu Mishra and Manoj Swain and were transferred from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
Similarly, two officers- Sarada Prasad Panda and Sangramjit Nayak were removed on Friday.
While Panda was holding the post of Director SUDA, Nayak was placed as Director of Municipal Administration following an extension after their retirement.
In a notification, the Housing and Urban Development Department on Friday appointed Rabindra Kumar Sahoo as SUDA Director in place of Sarada Prasad Panda.
Similarly, Debasis Singh has been appointed as Director of municipal Administration in place of Sangramjit Nayak.
Earlier, concerns were raised over many OAS officers occupying different posts at the Lok Seva Bhawan (State Secretariat) for years. It is alleged that many officials were directly involved in the affairs of party activities.
“Had the government asked for an explanation and started proceedings, many officials would not have occupied particular posts for a long period of time,” said former Chief Secretary Sahadev Sahoo.
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Moreover, in a bid to improve the administration, the Mohan Majhi government has also prepared a list of class two and class three officers occupying particular posts at particular places for a long time apart from the senior officers. Many of these officials are occupying various posts in Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan and Nataala. Some of the officials have also been reinstated after their retirements. As the newly formed government has come into action mode, these officers are in apprehension.
“In the old system, these officials were acting as the agents of the government. This is high time that they should be changed. They were the patrons of the irregularities of the previous government. If they are not removed, good governance is not possible,” mused political analyst Akshay Sahu.
“Around 500 to 800 officials are getting reappointed in various departments after their retirement. Corruption is increasing due to the reappointment of these IAS, IPS and OAS officials and as a result, young aspirants are not getting opportunities. The system should change,” said social activist Prakash Das.
While the former BJD government faced severe backlash due to Officer Raj, the newly formed government has kept an eagle eye on the officials. Under the circumstances, it remains to be seen how many officials, occupying particular posts for a long time, will be shown the door in the coming days.