Union Minister Jual Oram Seeks Disciplinary Action Against Private Secretary for Unauthorized Absence

Bhubaneswar: Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has called for disciplinary action against his Private Secretary, Parag Harshad Gavali, a 2013-batch IAS officer of the Odisha cadre, citing unauthorized absence from duty. Oram has written to the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions, as well as Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, seeking necessary action.

While the exact details of Gavali’s absence remain undisclosed, the issue has been deemed serious enough to warrant the minister’s direct intervention. This incident is part of a broader conversation about accountability within the Indian Administrative Service (IAS).

Recent cases of disciplinary action against IAS officers have raised concerns over misconduct and integrity within the bureaucracy. In December 2024, senior IAS officer Bishnupada Sethi was removed from key positions following a CBI investigation into a bribery scandal. Similarly, in January 2025, an Odisha IAS officer was convicted for the 11th time in a corruption case, highlighting ongoing integrity challenges in the service.

The action sought against Gavali may lead to discussions on civil service reforms, stricter accountability measures, and policy changes to ensure better governance and discipline among bureaucrats.