Odisha govt warns suspension of non-compliant OAS officers over transfer orders

BHUBANESWAR: The state govt has issued a strict warning of suspension for several Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) officers who failed to report to their new postings despite transfer orders issued months ago, as per an official order issued on Friday.
The erring state civil service officers were asked to report to their new positions by Tuesday or face suspension starting the following day, according to the directive from the state revenue and disaster management department.

The department noted that approximately 140 OAS officers received transfer orders in two phases on August 17 and October 17. These officers were subsequently relieved from their previous positions and instructed to immediately assume their new roles.

"In spite of repeated instructions, some officers are still continuing with their previous posts, disobeying the govt orders. This act amounts to gross misconduct," the govt order stated.

The govt has instructed district collectors to withhold salaries of the non-compliant OAS officers who are absent from their new assignments.

"The officers shall join their new place of postings by Tuesday. Those who fail to join will be deemed to be placed under suspension from Wednesday. Those officers who are currently undergoing training at the Gopabandhu administrative academy should join their new postings after completion of the training," the order read.