What is Odisha Minister Suresh Pujari's Appeal to Striking District Revenue Employees?
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Synopsis
In a critical appeal, Odisha's Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari calls on striking District Revenue employees to end their mass leave and return to work. With over 10,000 workers on strike, the government emphasizes the need for dialogue and warns of potential consequences for continued absence. Will the employees heed the call?
Key Takeaways
- Odisha's Revenue Minister urges employees to return to work.
- Mass leave could lead to serious consequences for employees.
- Government emphasizes dialogue over strikes in a democratic setup.
- Over 10,000 employees are part of the strike across 30 districts.
- Key demands include salary increases and health insurance.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 13 (NationPress) Odisha's Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari has urged the District Revenue Ministerial Employees to end their ongoing mass leave strike and return to work without delay.
The minister remarked that the Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) of the Revenue Department has instructed all Collectors to dismiss leave requests, classify absences as unauthorized, and implement the "No Work, No Pay" policy.
Minister Pujari cautioned that continued absence from duty could lead to the elimination of their positions and that the Revenue Department might consider altering its software to lessen reliance on these employees.
The government has requested that staff members resume their duties promptly to prevent poor citizens from losing access to vital revenue services.
According to Revenue Minister Pujari, in a democratic society, strikes should be a last resort, with dialogue being the preferred approach.
A proposal for restructuring the revenue employees' cadre has been sent to the General Administration (GA) Department for a conclusive decision. He emphasized that mass leave is detrimental, as it robs the people of Odisha of essential revenue services.
Over 10,000 revenue ministerial employees from all 30 districts have participated in the mass leave since Monday, advocating for a set of 10 demands.
The employees previously protested by wearing black badges in July, claiming that the state government had promised to address their demands within a month. Their demands encompass restructuring the revenue employees' cadre, raising the initial salary, providing Rs 20 lakh health insurance, and ensuring 100 percent promotion in the Odisha Revenue Service for the Revenue Ministerial Employees.
Previously, the Revenue Department's ACS Deoranajan Kumar Singh instructed District Collectors to issue show-cause notices to those absent without authorization.
Employees' salaries will be suspended for the duration of their unauthorized absence, and this absence will be recorded as a break in service within their service book.
Singh also mentioned that the absence of field-level revenue personnel has disrupted crucial public services in the state and caused significant inconvenience to the residents.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight the balance between employee rights and the need for public service. The ongoing strike by District Revenue employees poses a challenge for the government and the citizens who rely on these vital services. A resolution through open dialogue is crucial for both parties.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main demands of the striking employees?
The employees are demanding restructuring of their cadre, an increase in initial pay, health insurance of Rs 20 lakh, and 100 percent promotion in the Odisha Revenue Service.
How has the government responded to the strike?
The government has appealed to employees to return to work and has implemented a 'No Work, No Pay' policy for those absent without authorization.
What could happen to employees who do not return to work?
Employees who fail to return may face position elimination and salary suspensions for unauthorized absence, which will also be recorded as a break in service.
How many employees are on strike?
Over 10,000 revenue ministerial employees across all 30 districts are participating in the mass leave strike.
What prior actions have the employees taken regarding their demands?
In July, the employees protested by wearing black badges and were assured by the government that their demands would be addressed within a month.
