The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department of Odisha has issued a stern warning against a fabricated letter that falsely announces the creation of a “Gram Panchayat Peon” position with a monthly salary of Rs. 13,160.
The bogus document, dated November 24, 2025, and numbered PR-PADM-PG-064-2025/4232, has been debunked as a complete forgery not originating from any official government source.
The fake letter has spread rapidly across social media platforms and even mainstream outlets, sparking widespread confusion and misleading job seekers. In response, the department has escalated the issue to the Cyber Crime Cell, where an FIR has been filed to probe the origins, creators, and those responsible for disseminating the misinformation.
All District Collectors, Block Development Officers, District Panchayat Officers, and Gram Panchayat staff have been directed to ignore the letter outright.
The government emphasised the importance of caution in an era of rampant digital misinformation, advising the public not to act on unverified claims.
This incident highlights the growing challenge of fake news in administrative matters, potentially aimed at exploiting unemployment concerns in rural areas.
As investigations proceed, the department reiterated its commitment to transparency and promised swift action against the perpetrators.
