The Odisha government has introduced key changes to its civil service resignation and retirement policies through the Odisha Civil Services (Pension) Amendment Rules, 2025.
Announced by the Finance Department on Monday, the new rules grant civil servants a 90-day window to withdraw their resignation, provided it is in the public interest and the officer’s absence from service does not exceed 90 days from the effective resignation date to the withdrawal request.
Under previous regulations, resignation withdrawal was only permitted if it was initially submitted under compelling circumstances without reflecting negatively on the officer’s integrity, efficiency, or conduct. Additionally, a significant change in circumstances had to justify the retraction.
The amended rules now introduce a definitive 90-day timeframe and add a new requirement: the vacancy in the same or equivalent post must still exist at the time of applying for withdrawal.
The amendment also revises retirement gratuity ceilings:
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For employees retiring on or before December 31, 2023, the maximum gratuity remains Rs 15 lakh.
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For those retiring from January 1, 2024 onwards, the limit increases to Rs 20 lakh.
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For judicial service officers retiring from January 1, 2024, the maximum gratuity is fixed at Rs 25 lakh.
These changes aim to balance administrative continuity with flexibility for officers facing changing personal circumstances, while incentivizing experienced personnel to remain in public service.
