Odisha CM issues stern warning to officers, urges end to old political loyalties

Bhubaneswar, May 15: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday issued a firm warning to district and block-level development officers, urging them to shed old political loyalties and adopt a new work culture focused on transparency and accountability.

Addressing a two-day conference of Chief Development Officers (CDOs) and Block Development Officers (BDOs) in Bhubaneswar, the Chief Minister said corruption, inefficiency, and partiality will no longer be tolerated. He asked officers to discard the mindset carried over from the previous BJD government and warned that those who fail to change will face consequences.

Majhi stressed that officers have been given adequate power and autonomy to serve the people and must not work under any political or external pressure. “Do not mistake my simplicity for weakness,” he cautioned, adding that he would be strict with those who defy discipline.

To ensure accountability, he announced that BDOs’ performance will now be evaluated through District Collectors, and underperforming officers may be removed.

He also called for respectful coordination between officers and elected representatives, emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in governance. Urging officers to act with empathy and public service in mind, Majhi underlined their role in addressing people’s grievances.

On rural employment, he directed that manual labour be prioritized over machines in the implementation of MGNREGA to enhance job opportunities in villages.