In view of the Odisha Bandh call given by the student wing of the Naba Nirman Yuva Chhatra Sangha on Tuesday, the State government has asked employees of major departments in Bhubaneswar to reach office by 9.30 am.
The outfit has called for a peaceful Odisha bandh from 6am to 6pm demanding justice for BJB College girl student Ruchika Mohanty who died by suicide due to alleged ragging by seniors.
With apprehension that the protestors may stop vehicular traffic, rail traffic and close down business establishments and picket before government offices, banks and educational institutions, the security arrangements around Lok Seva Bhawan and Kharavela Bhawan have been intensified.
The officers and the employees of various departments working in the Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan and in the heads of department building were also advised to reach office latest by 9.30 am to facilitate their smooth entry.
Special Secretary to the State government Santosh Baia has issued an advisory to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries and Special Secretaries to government in this regard.
The following measures have also been taken as precautionary measures.
The front gates of the Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 10.15 am on Tuesday and all the passage will be regulated through the rear gate. The connecting gate between the Red Building and Main Lok Seva Bhawan building will remain open.
Security check of identity cards and passes of the employees and visitors will be intensified. Travelling in a vehicle having car pass will not be permitted without valid authority for entry.
Notably, vehicles are likely to go off the road due to the protests. Also, plying of trains may get affected. The organisation has also urged businessmen to down their shutters as part of the protest.
Meanwhile, the Congress, several business establishments and social outfits have extended their support to the outfit.