In a move to enhance administrative efficiency, Odisha's Chief Secretary, Manoj Ahuja has directed all departments to enforce the premature retirement of government officers and employees deemed incompetent or lacking integrity.

In a letter addressed to all departmental secretaries, Ahuja emphasized the necessity of systematic reviews to identify and retire personnel whose performance is unsatisfactory or whose conduct is questionable.

The Chief Secretary's directive falls under Rule 71 (Clause-K) of the Odisha Service Code, which provides for the premature retirement of government employees to uphold administrative standards. 

Addressing Non-Compliance with Previous Guidelines

The letter also stated that despite the issuance of an earlier notice (Circular No. 27037) by the GAPG Department on 24th September 2019, which outlined procedures for implementing premature retirements, many departments have reportedly failed to fully comply.

It added that the non-compliance has allowed inefficient and untrustworthy officers to remain in service, adversely affecting administrative efficiency and public interest; following which, the Chief Secretary has now expressed concerns over these lapses and has called for immediate corrective measures.

Mandate for Regular Performance Reviews

To rectify the situation, the Chief Secretary has ordered all departments to conduct regular review meetings in line with the 2019 circular.

Departmental secretaries have been instructed to carry out timely assessments of their personnel and ensure that the guidelines for premature retirement are implemented effectively.

Notably, in February 2022, the state government handed out forced retirement of five officers, including an Odisha Administrative Officer (OAS) and a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), on charges of corruption and inefficiency to maintain administrative reform and accountability.