Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has launched a sweeping performance review of government employees across departments. In a stern directive issued by Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, all departments have been instructed to identify underperforming staff—regardless of rank or seniority—and submit detailed reports by August 7.
The move could result in forced retirements for employees found to be inefficient, incompetent, or negligent in duty, in accordance with an earlier circular issued by the General Administration Department dated September 24, 2019.
“Inefficiency will no longer be tolerated. The public deserves a responsive and capable administration,” said a senior government official aware of the development.
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No One Is Exempt: From Top Officers to Ground-Level Staff
The instructions apply to all categories of employees, from senior IAS officers to junior-level staff, with departments being asked to conduct comprehensive internal assessments. The evaluation parameters include:
- Number of days worked per employee per month
- Field visits conducted by officers
- Officers currently facing disciplinary action
- Pending or ongoing retirement procedures for non-performers
- Number of vacancies across departments
- Actions taken for capacity-building and skill enhancement
- Usage of free AI-based training courses offered to government staff
The government has also provided a specified reporting format for uniformity and transparency in submissions.
Backdrop: July Meeting Sets the Tone for Administrative Reform
The crackdown follows a Secretary-level meeting held on July 15, where Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja reportedly expressed serious concerns about non-performing personnel in the system. He emphasized the need for regular evaluations and public disclosure of officers under disciplinary action via the HRMS portal.
This is in alignment with CM Mohan Majhi’s stern message during the District Collectors’ Conference held on September 27, 2024, where he declared the “end of the era of bureaucratic laxity.” The Chief Minister urged officers to “change their attitude” or face consequences, signaling a zero-tolerance stance.
Departments Under Pressure as Deadline Approaches
With the August 7 deadline now here, departments are reportedly working round the clock to compile and submit the required data. The directive has sent ripples through the state bureaucracy, with many underperforming employees expressing concern about their job security.
According to sources, the state government may take swift action after receiving department-wise performance reports. A large-scale administrative overhaul is not being ruled out.
“This is the strongest message from the new administration since taking office. It’s no longer business as usual in Odisha’s babudom,” said an analyst tracking governance reforms in the state.
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Transparency and Efficiency at the Core of Reforms
The crackdown is seen as part of Odisha’s broader push for administrative accountability, transparency, and modernization. It aligns with efforts to:
- Digitize performance reviews
- Link departmental outcomes to individual performance
- Reduce bureaucratic red tape
- Enhance citizen service delivery
If enforced stringently, this initiative could serve as a template for administrative reform in other states.
