In a decisive step to tackle the prevailing fuel and energy challenges triggered by the recent West Asia crisis, the Odisha Finance Department has issued fresh guidelines to rationalise the allotment and use of official vehicles across the state administration.
An Office Memorandum introduces a tiered system that balances operational needs with resource conservation. Senior-most officers retain dedicated vehicles, while most others move to shared pool arrangements and greater use of public transport.
Key Highlights:
- Special Secretary and above: Continue to receive an independent official vehicle for official duties.
- Additional Secretaries promoted on or after June 1, 2026: Must use pool vehicles. They become eligible for an independent vehicle only after completing three years in the rank. Officers already allotted independent vehicles before May 31, 2026, are protected under a grandfather clause.
- Under Secretary to Joint Secretary (in administrative departments) and equivalent ranks in Heads of Departments: Provided pool vehicles, with at least 2 to 3 officers sharing one vehicle.
- Monthly deduction: A uniform ₹1,680 will be deducted from the salary of every officer using a pool vehicle, irrespective of rank.
- Long-distance official tours: Officers are directed to travel by bus or rail instead of official vehicles, “as far as practicable.”
The instructions apply mutatis mutandis to all State Government Undertakings, Autonomous Institutions, Universities, and Societies across Odisha.
