In yet another proactive and decisive step towards strengthening governance and accountability, the Mohan Charan Majhi-led Odisha government has mandated that IAS officers must obtain prior approval from the Chief Secretary before leaving their designated headquarters.
This directive, issued by the General Administration (GA) Department, aims to curb unauthorized absences, prevent disruptions in administration, and ensure that critical government work progresses smoothly without delays. The notification, signed by Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar, categorically states:
“Prior permission of the Chief Secretary shall be mandatory for all IAS officers of the state while availing leave as well as for leaving their headquarters. This instruction shall be followed with due diligence.”
A Major Step Towards Strengthening Odisha’s Administration
The Majhi government has set a new benchmark for governance in Odisha by ensuring that bureaucrats remain accountable to the public and their duties. Under previous administrations, cases of officers leaving their posts without authorization often led to administrative bottlenecks. However, the new government’s strong commitment to discipline and accountability has swiftly brought reforms that will enhance efficiency, improve service delivery, and ensure that governance remains uninterrupted.
What Triggered This Directive?
While the circular does not name any specific instance, reliable sources suggest that the new policy was implemented in the wake of Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram’s complaint against his Private Secretary, Parag Harshad Gavali, a 2013-batch Odisha-cadre IAS officer, for unauthorized absence from duty.
Oram, in his letter to Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, stated:
“Dr. Parag Gavali has been absent from duty without authorization since 23rd January 2025. His continued unauthorized absence violates service rules and has caused disruptions in the functioning of the office.”
This unprofessional conduct disrupted critical administrative work, prompting the Majhi government to act swiftly and ensure such lapses do not occur in the future.
Firm Action & Uncompromising Governance Under CM Majhi
Unlike past governments that often hesitated to enforce strict disciplinary measures, the Majhi government’s zero-tolerance approach is a testament to its dedication to transparency, efficiency, and responsible administration. By mandating the Chief Secretary’s approval for all leaves and official movements of IAS officers, the government ensures that:
✅ No disruptions occur in governance and public service delivery.
✅ Bureaucrats remain fully accountable and responsible.
✅ Key projects and initiatives move forward without unnecessary delays.
✅ Public confidence in the administration is strengthened.
This bold and strategic move is yet another example of CM Mohan Charan Majhi’s commitment to transforming Odisha into a model state for governance and administration. Gone are the days of bureaucratic complacency—under Majhi’s leadership, Odisha’s governance is becoming sharper, more responsive, and people-centric.
The Odisha government, under CM Majhi, is making history—one reform at a time.
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