Bhubaneswar: The state government has initiated action against the mass leave of District Revenue Ministerial Employees continuing since August 11 following a call by the Odisha Rajaswa Amala Sangha.
In a letter to the Collectors of all districts, Additional Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management department, D K Singh, said the indefinite strike is causing serious disruption in official work across districts. The absence of field-level revenue staff has led to delays and dislocation of essential public services, creating hardship for the general public.
The conduct of the striking employees was termed as ‘totally unbecoming’ of responsible government servants and a violation of service rules and conduct guidelines.
Instruction has been issued to the Collectors to refuse leave applications and ensure the regular attendance of employees. Show-cause notices need to be issued to those absent without authorisation, and their salaries be withheld for the period of absence. The unauthorised leave period will also be treated as a break in service and recorded in the service book.
Major disciplinary proceedings will be initiated against employees for deliberate and serious violations of service conditions and misconduct, the letter stressed.
Similarly, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has also issued a stern warning to members of the Odisha Rajaswa Amala Sangha. The government is prepared to ensure the delivery of revenue services to the public even without the participation of striking employees. Any neglect of public duties will lead to the stoppage of salaries under the ‘no work, no pay’ principle, the Minister warned.
Urging the employees to call off their mass leave and return to duty, he said solutions can be achieved through dialogue.
