Odisha govt issues warning over non-compliance of officer transfers

Bhubaneswar, Feb 3: Several months after their transfer by the Odisha government for administrative purposes, numerous officers have failed to comply with the orders. Many of these transferred officials are not being relieved from their posts, while others are employing various tactics to remain in their current positions.

As a result, a total of 37 transfer orders have not been fully executed between July 2, 2024, and January 2025, according to official sources. In light of this administrative challenge, the state government has decided to take a firmer stance. If the officers are not relieved promptly, it will be deemed an act of defiance against the government’s directives, and necessary actions will be initiated against the responsible parties.

Sources indicate that Surendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary of the General Administration Department, has communicated with all divisional secretaries, divisional heads, and district collectors, urging them to ensure that Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers are relieved in accordance with the transfer orders.

Despite multiple reminders, the transfer of senior officers has not been enforced by their higher authorities, leading to serious administrative issues in the implementation of various welfare programs and timely public service delivery. The letter emphasizes that the intended purpose of these transfers cannot be achieved as long as officers remain in their old posts for extended periods, highlighting a clear disregard for government orders that necessitate appropriate action against the concerned authorities.