Odisha scraps individual NOC for state govt employees appearing in recruitment exams

The Government of Odisha officially abolished the requirement for individual No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for officers and employees working under the administrative control of the General Administration and Public Grievance (GA & PG) Department who wish to apply for jobs or appear in recruitment examinations.

In a significant administrative reform, the GA & PG Department issued a Standing Permission and NOC in favour of all officers and employees under its control. With this order, employees can apply for posts or appear in recruitment examinations conducted by bodies such as the UPSC, OPSC, SSB, OSSC and OSSSC, as well as other recruitment agencies under the Central or Odisha Government, without seeking fresh departmental approval each time.

Routine NOC Process Found Inefficient

The department noted that a large number of applications for NOCs are received throughout the year from employees seeking permission to appear in various examinations or apply for jobs elsewhere. Since granting such permission is generally routine, the process was found to consume valuable time and administrative resources. The delay often caused inconvenience to employees, who were frequently required to visit departmental branches or Heads of Department to expedite their cases.

Acknowledging that employees have the right to pursue better career opportunities, the State Government decided to introduce a standing arrangement to eliminate this inefficacious work.

Conditions Attached To Standing Permission

The Standing Permission and NOC is subject to specific conditions. Employees must not neglect their official duties or responsibilities while applying for jobs or appearing in examinations. Prior permission from the competent authority remains mandatory for leave and headquarters-leaving permission, wherever required, supported by admit cards or equivalent documents.

Importantly, the Standing Permission does not amount to permission to relieve an employee from service. In the event of selection, the employee must seek formal approval through the proper channel to be relieved, and the department retains the right to refuse such relief in public interest or for any justifiable reason.

Earlier Orders Superseded

The Standing Order will now be treated as the official NOC for all GA & PG employees and can be produced before recruitment organisations or prospective employers. No individual NOC applications will be entertained henceforth, and all pending applications will not be processed. The order supersedes all previous instructions issued by the department on the matter.