The Revenue and Disaster Management Department has issued strict directives to expedite the submission of pending investigation reports concerning disciplinary actions against Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) junior branch officers and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) officers.
This move aims to address unnecessary delays in resolving these cases, ensuring accountability and efficiency in administrative processes.
In a letter addressed to all Additional District Magistrates, Chief Development and Executive Officers of Zilla Parishads in Puri, Sambalpur, Sonepur, and Kandhamal districts, as well as the Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs) in Cuttack and Sambalpur, Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee emphasised the urgency of the matter.
According to prior government guidelines, investigating officers were required to submit reports within 90 days of their appointment. However, persistent backlogs have hindered the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against the implicated officials.
Highlighting the need for priority-based investigations, Dr Padhee has instructed that all outstanding cases be thoroughly examined and reports submitted within one month, by March 31, 2026, at the latest. This deadline is intended to streamline the process and prevent further procrastination.
The directive also warns of consequences for non-compliance. In cases where investigating officers exhibit negligence or dereliction of duty, the matter will be brought to the government’s attention, leading to appropriate actions against them. Additionally, all District Collectors have been advised to conduct regular reviews of these cases to ensure strict adherence to the government’s instructions.
This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to maintaining discipline and transparency within its administrative cadre, potentially setting a precedent for handling similar issues in other departments.
