Bhubaneswar: The Mohan Majhi-led government in Odisha has announced a major employment drive, “Nikujkti Mela,” to fill vacant positions in various departments starting in September. According to sources, at least 35,000 vacant posts will be filled in the first phase of this drive, with Chief Minister Majhi likely to distribute appointment letters to 22,000 new recruits next month.
The state government currently has 1.32 lakh vacant positions out of a total 3.99 lakh sanctioned posts. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had pledged during its election campaign to address this shortfall and fill these vacancies after coming to power.
In its election manifesto, the BJP promised to recruit 1.5 lakh individuals for government positions in a transparent manner, with 65,000 posts to be filled within two years. The manifesto also prioritized vacancies for Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS).
A high-level committee chaired by CM Majhi has given approval for the recruitment of more than 96,000 posts. Departments have been instructed to hold examinations and interviews to fill up 78,000 positions. Directions have also been issued to secure approvals for the remaining vacancies by September, with recruitment advertisements to be published by December 2024.