Odisha Revenue Dept staff chewing tobacco and paan at office to face disciplinary action

Revenue and tehsil office staffs were put on alert as strict guidelines were issued by the State government on Tuesday. Consumption of paan, gutkha, cigarettes, or any other intoxicating substance inside office premises will now invite disciplinary action.

Also Read: Gutkha ban! Odisha prohibits sale and distribution of nicotine-based products

According to official sources, the directive applies to all officials and employees working at the state headquarters, district offices, and tehsil offices.

The instructions were issued by Dr Arabinda Padhee soon after the senior bureaucrat assumed charge as Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management department. Along with enforcing discipline, he has emphasised strengthening the revenue administration and making it more people-centric.

As part of the fresh measures, all officers and staff have also been directed to wear handloom attire every Friday to promote local traditions.

Dr Padhee has stressed the importance of honesty, professional integrity, and sensitivity towards the public. He has directed officials to take prompt action to improve public trust in the system.

The department has also adopted a ‘zero-tolerance’ policy against corruption, warning of strict action not only against corrupt officials but also against those who encourage or support such practices.

Additional Chief Secretary Padhee issued a total of at least 10 guidelines to all his colleagues in the department, including officials and subordinate staff. He has appealed to them through a circular issued in this regard, seeking their cooperation.

Worth mentioning, in a major step to curb substance abuse and protect public health, the Odisha government had imposed a complete ban on January 22 on the purchase and sale of gutkha and other tobacco-related products. The restriction covers pan masala, zarda, khaini, gutkha, tobacco and all food items containing nicotine.