Maharathy suspends officials during surprise visit to block office

Bhubaneswar: Sending a strong message against government officials who are ‘slack in offices’, Panchayatiraj Minister Pradeep Maharathy, today, suspended two officials during his maiden surprise visit to Salepur block in Cuttack after assuming office post ministry reshuffle.

Assistant Block Development Officer (ABDO) Prasanna Kumar Mallick and accounts officer Bharati Priyadarshani of Salepur block were placed under suspension for dereliction of  duty.

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Official sources said several staff including Mallick and Priyadarshini were absent when the Minister made a spot visit to the block office.

Maharathy also asked officials to issue show-cause notices to eight other officials including the block development officer (BDO).

According to reports, Maharathy expressed his anguish over the state of affairs at the block in the coastal district. He also issued warnings to staffers who reported late at work.