With formation of new government in Odisha, leaves of employees suspended till June 30

BHUBANESWAR: With the BJP all set to form its first govt in Odisha on Wednesday, the state administration on Tuesday suspended leaves for all employees until June 30, in anticipation for a flurry of activities across departments.
The general administration and public grievances department on Tuesday wrote to the secretaries and heads of all departments and district collectors to strictly comply with the order.The decision aims to maintain a full workforce and facilitate the seamless implementation of the new government’s priorities and initiatives.
“As you are aware, the swearing-in ceremony of the new council of ministers is scheduled to be held on Wednesday and with the assumption of charges by the new govt, there will be a lot of activities at different levels of the govt. In view of this, it is imperative that all govt officials should remain available in their respective headquarters to attend to any urgent assignments that may emerge in the coming days,” read the govt order.
The order further stated that no govt official shall be allowed to avail leave or permission to leave the headquarters, even on public holidays (except on health grounds), until June 30. The govt has asked the heads of all departments and collectors to issue appropriate instructions to their colleagues.
“As the new govt settles in, we anticipate a busy period ahead. We have chosen to prioritise the presence of our workforce by temporarily suspending leave approvals. This measure will ensure that all hands are on deck to handle the increased workload and responsibilities that come with the transition of power,” a senior govt officer said, adding the govt aims to maintain a fully staffed and operational team to ensure smooth functioning during the transition period.
A number of retired officers, who were re-engaged in many departments, including the chief minister’s office (CMO), have tendered their resignations in the last few days in the aftermath of BJD’s electoral defeat. Former chief secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra stepped down from his role as chief adviser to the CMO. Similarly, R Balakrishnan, a retired IAS officer, vacated his position as chief adviser for special initiatives, while Manoj Mishra relinquished his duties as officer on special duty (OSD) to the CM. Sujata R Kartikeyan, IAS officer and wife of V K Pandian, recently went on a six-month leave.