Why is Odisha Government Cautioning OAS and ORS Officers Over Unauthorized Visits?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Odisha Government emphasizes accountability for public officials.
- District collectors are tasked with enforcing compliance.
- Unauthorized visits can lead to disciplinary actions.
- Public service delivery is a priority for the state.
- Officials must prioritize their responsibilities during working hours.
Bhubaneswar, Sep 7 (NationPress) In response to the alarming rise in unauthorized visits by field officials to government offices in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha Government has mandated all district collectors (DCs) to caution Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) officers against visiting Lok Seva Bhawan, the secretariat, and other departmental headquarters without obtaining prior consent.
The state’s Revenue and Disaster Management department expressed its serious concerns in a strongly-worded communication directed at all district collectors, highlighting the increasing trend of unauthorized visits by OAS and ORS officers to the Lok Seva Bhawan and associated offices at the state headquarters.
It was noted with alarm that numerous officers have been absent from their designated headquarters without permission and have been frequently spotted in the corridors of Lok Seva Bhawan and other government offices in Bhubaneswar, lacking the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities.
“This situation is quite troubling as these officers are often away from their respective stations without authorization, engaging in personal matters during official hours, thereby hindering the public's access to timely revenue-related services,” the revenue department emphasized.
District collectors are being urged to address the infractions by these officers and to ensure compliance with the directives. The department has also issued a stern warning regarding potential disciplinary actions against any officer who continues such practices.
“You are therefore requested to issue warnings to these officers and to prevent them from engaging in such behaviors. Any future violations will be taken very seriously, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be enforced. This matter should be treated with utmost importance and communicated to all subordinate officers under your authority,” the department cautioned.