Bhubaneswar: In an unusual move, Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram has sought disciplinary proceedings against his Private Secretary and Odisha-cadre IAS officer Parag Harshad Gavali for “unauthorised absence” from duty.
In a letter to Odisha Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, the Union Minister said that Parag has been absent from duty without authorisation since January 23, 2025. “His continued unauthorised absence is a violation of the service rulesand has caused disruptions in the functioning of the office,” said Oram.
The Minister, who represents Sundargarh in Lok Sabha, said that he has requested Secretary DoPT to initiate appropriate disciplinary action against Parag Harshad Gavil, a 2013-batch IAS officer as per the relevant provisions of the All-India (Discipline and Appeal) Rules.
“I formally request you to update records in the personal file of Parag Harshad Gavil, presently posted as my Private Secretary. This letter should be part of his APAR for the year 2024-25.” Oram said in the letter, copy of which was made available.
The IAS officer was not immediately available for his comment on the development.
The development has raised eyebrows about the goings on in the office of Union Minister Jual Oram. What forced the IAS officer to proceed on “unauthorised leave” and why the Union Minister had to write to the Chief Secretary are questions that still remain unanswered.
Notably, the Centre had appointed Parag Harshad as Private Secretary to Jual Oram in July last year.
