Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi issued a strong warning to corrupt public officials, emphasising that governance is no longer run from “ivory towers” and that the government is actively reaching out to people to listen to their grievances.
Speaking at the state-level inauguration of Anti-Corruption Awareness Week 2026 held at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Centre, Chief Minister Majhi administered the oath of integrity and honesty to attending dignitaries and public officials.
“Good governance is not just about formulating policies and schemes. Its true essence lies in ensuring that corruption is completely rooted out and every rupee sanctioned reaches the last beneficiary in full measure,” said the Chief Minister.
Record Convictions and Strict Disciplinary Actions
Highlighting the state’s proactive stance against corruption, the Chief Minister revealed that Odisha Vigilance has emerged as one of the top anti-corruption agencies in India. While the conviction rate stood at 50% in 2025, it reached a record 65% by September 2026.
To enforce accountability, the state government has taken strict disciplinary actions:
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41 government employees have been dismissed from service following corruption convictions.
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91 retired officials have had their pensions permanently withheld.
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Action has been taken against high-ranking officials over the past two and a half years, including an IAS officer, 8 Chief Engineers, 2 DFOs, Joint Commissioners of Excise and STA, 3 Deputy Directors of Mines, 5 Tehsildars, and 4 BDOs.
Chief Minister Majhi outlined the government’s three-pronged strategy to combat corruption:
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Zero tolerance policy towards corrupt practices.
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Intelligence-led enforcement regardless of rank or tenure.
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Ensuring maximum legal convictions for arrested corrupt officials.
Technology and Preventive Vigilance
Extending gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the implementation of the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) trinity, CM Majhi noted that direct technology-driven intervention has effectively stopped leakages at the grassroots level, proving to be a boon for the poor.
To further modernise anti-corruption measures, the state has approved the Odisha IT Policy and is setting up a dedicated Preventive Vigilance Research Wing within Odisha Vigilance. This wing will identify vulnerable areas and curb corruption proactively to ensure complete administrative transparency.
Reflecting on this year’s theme, “From Integrity to Prosperity”, the Chief Minister urged all public servants to adopt honesty and strong ethics not just as professional obligations, but as a way of life.
Excellence Awards & Key Dignitaries
During the event, Chief Minister Majhi felicitated top-performing units and personnel from Odisha Vigilance for their exemplary service in 2025:
| Category | Winner / Recipient |
| Best Vigilance Division | Koraput Division |
| Best Vigilance Unit | Anugola Unit |
| Best Investigating Officer (IO) | Sadananda Pani (DSP, Malkangiri) |
| Best Woman Investigating Officer | Baibhavamala Swain (Bhubaneswar Division) |
| Best Public Prosecutor | Salil Kumar Pradhan (Special Judge Court, Bhubaneswar) |
Chief Secretary Anu Garg stressed the necessity of integrity in ensuring that public funds reach the intended beneficiaries at the grassroots level. Director of Vigilance Yeshwant Kumar Jethwa welcomed the gathering and reiterated the department’s commitment to the state’s zero-tolerance policy, while Additional Director Asit Kumar Panigrahi delivered the vote of thanks.
