Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government employees have been directed to reach their respective offices in Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan and Heads of Department Building here by 9.30 am with the Congress observing bandh on Friday.
The Hand party has called for a six-hour Odisha bandh to press for its demand for the resignation of Minister of State for Home Dibya Shankar Mishra for his alleged link with the prime accused in the sensational Mamita Meher murder case, Govind Sahu.
In a letter to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries and Special Secretaries, Special Secretary Santosh Bala said, “I am directed to intimate that Pradesh Congress Committee and its frontal organisations have proposed to observe six hours Odisha Bandh on November 12 from 6 am to 12 pm. It is apprehended that they may close down business establishments, marketplaces, central and state government offices, petrol pumps, banks/ financial institutions and courts. Vehicular traffic, as well as railway traffic, are likely to be affected.”
To facilitate smooth entry, the officers and employees have been advised to reach the government offices latest by 9.30 am, he added.
Security checks of identity cards and passes of the employees and visitors will be intensified. Vehicles without car passes will not be allowed entry.
Entry of visitors will be restricted and only those having a prior appointment and whose business is pressing and immediate will be given entry passes on the recommendations of the department concerned.
Also Read: Cong’s Call For Odisha Bandh Tomorrow; Know Timing & What’s Exempted
Congress spokesman Debasish Patnaik had earlier told the media that party workers will stage road blockades and rail roko at several places. Shops and business establishments, offices, educational institutions and petrol pumps will be closed during the bandh.
However, emergency services will be excluded from the bandh. Hospitals and ambulance and Fire services will not be affected by the bandh.
