The Odisha government has intensified its response to the ongoing mass leave by District Revenue Ministerial Employees, directing district collectors to submit Action Taken Reports (ATRs) immediately.
The move comes as public services remain severely disrupted due to the unauthorised absence of employees, which began on August 11 following a call by the Odisha Rajaswa Amala Sangha.
In a stern letter issued today, the Revenue & Disaster Management Department reminded collectors of prior instructions to initiate disciplinary action against the striking employees. The letter emphasised that over ten days have passed since the mass leave began, causing significant hardship to the public seeking essential government services. Collectors have been urged to provide detailed ATRs to enable further action by the state government.
The government’s response follows an earlier directive issued on August 12 by Revenue Secretary D.K. Singh. The directive labelled the employees’ actions as a serious violation of service rules and unbecoming of government servants. It mandated treating unauthorised absences as a break in service, recording these in employees’ service books, and withholding salaries for the absence period. Collectors were also instructed to issue show-cause notices and initiate major disciplinary proceedings against the employees involved.
The August 12 letter further directed field officers to ensure regular staff attendance and take urgent measures to restore normalcy in public service delivery. The ongoing mass leave has particularly affected revenue-related services, leaving citizens struggling to access critical administrative support.
The Odisha government’s firm stance underscores its commitment to maintaining uninterrupted public services and enforcing accountability among its workforce. As the situation develops, all eyes are on the collectors’ response and the potential escalation of disciplinary measures against the striking employees.
