In a sharp demonstration of the Odisha Revenue Department’s “zero tolerance” policy on corruption, Assistant Revenue Inspector Surendra Sa has been placed under immediate suspension by the Collector of Sambalpur.
The official, posted at Sadar-IV RI Circle under Sadar Tahasil, was accused of demanding Rs 3,000 from applicants for issuing certificates required for student admissions in educational institutions. Media reports about the alleged bribe triggered swift administrative action.
During the suspension period, Surendra Sa’s headquarters have been fixed at the office of the Sub-Collector, Kuchinda. He has been barred from leaving headquarters without prior permission of the competent authority and will draw subsistence allowance.
The Tahasildar, Sadar, Sambalpur has been directed to personally serve the suspension order, obtain a dated acknowledgement, and submit draft charges against the official for further disciplinary proceedings.
Background: A firm stand against graft
The suspension comes just days after the Revenue & Disaster Management Department issued clear instructions to all district collectors to ensure the speedy issuance of certificates for students seeking admissions.
Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari and Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Arabinda Kumar Padhee had publicly warned that no form of corruption would be tolerated and had directed district administrations to monitor the process closely.
