Bhubaneswar: Members of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) and Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) Associations are up in arms against recent attack on an government official in the state.
Voicing concern over such incidents, members of both associations protested recent incidents and emphasised that it was not just attack on an individual but on the dignity of the entire administrative framework.
Leaders of the associations highlighted that government employees often face hostility while discharging their duties, particularly in sensitive areas involving land, revenue, and enforcement. They argued that the absence of adequate security measures leaves officials vulnerable to such attacks, which in turn hampers the smooth functioning of governance.
The associations demanded deployment of security personnel in every government office to ensure the safety of employees. Officials cannot carry out their responsibilities effectively, and public service delivery will suffer, they maintained.
“The assault has created an atmosphere of fear among government staff. We urge the state government to take strict and prompt action against the culprits and ensure that such incidents are not repeated. Security personnel must be posted in offices to protect employees from any form of violence,” the associations said.
It may be noted that Block Development Officer (BDO) of Nuapada Rohit Bhoi was allegedly attacked inside the block office premises on Monday. Some miscreants allegedly opposed the construction of Bhaisatal Panchayat building which was carried out following an order by the Orissa High Court. Reacting sharply to the attack, Block employees staged a dharna and launched a pen down strike in protest, demanding strict action against those responsible.
Similarly, tension flared in Pipili of Puri district, when the Sub-Collector was allegedly threatened by members of the sand mafia during a raid on illegal sand stockpiles at 4 locations on January 19. During the raid, the Sub-Collector faced direct intimidation from those involved in the illegal trade, and 1 person was detained in connection with the incident after he lodged a police complaint.
A woman OAS officer posted at the Rajnagar block headquarters in Nuapada district office was
allegedly assaulted by a local political leader inside her office chamber in January. The incident, which was captured on CCTV, triggered widespread outrage among staff and residents. Following the attack, employees at the block office had ceased work in protest, bringing day-to-day administration to a standstill.
While Serving as Additional Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), OAS officer Ratnakar Sahoo was physically assaulted inside his office by a group of men, including a BJP corporator and supporters of a defeated MLA candidate, attacked him during a grievance session on June 30, 2025.
The following day, the OAS Association staged a mass protest, announcing leave to demand stronger protection for officials. OAS officers in 16 districts had gone on mass leave till action was taken.
