Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi handed out appointment letters to 812 newly recruited officials across five departments at a ‘Nijukti Mela’ (job fair) held at Krushi Sikhya Sadan on Tuesday. Addressing the new recruits, he urged them to dedicate themselves to public service and uphold the trust of the people.
“Government jobs are not just about employment; they are about responsibility and service. The people expect efficiency, dedication, and honesty from you. Never let them down,” Majhi said, emphasizing the importance of their role in governance.
The newly appointed officials included 442 Ayush Assistants under the Health Department’s Ayush Directorate, 65 Soil Conservation Extension Workers in the Agriculture Department, 33 Assistant Horticulture Officers, 48 Management Trainees in the Energy Department, 12 Junior Assistants and 14 Amins in the Water Resources Department, and 189 Junior Mining Officers along with 9 Junior Assistants in the Steel and Mines Department.
Highlighting his administration’s focus on employment, the Chief Minister announced that the government is on track to provide 65,000 jobs in the first two years and 1.5 lakh government jobs within five years. “Since taking office, we have organized seven job fairs, securing employment for over 24,000 people. Today’s event marks the eighth phase, taking the total number of appointments to over 25,000,” he said.
Majhi also emphasized the critical role of skilled human resources in driving Odisha’s development. “A competent workforce ensures smooth governance and effective implementation of policies. We have instructed recruitment agencies and departments to fill vacant positions by the end of this month,” he added.
The Chief Minister urged the new recruits to always remember their fundamental duty—serving the public. Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s governance philosophy, he remarked, “The Prime Minister refers to himself as the ‘Pradhan Sevak’ (Chief Servant) of the nation. If you embrace this approach, you will never stray from your path of duty.”
Apart from employment, Majhi outlined key developments in the state’s healthcare sector. He announced that the Central Institute of Yoga and Naturopathy Research would soon be established at Gothapatna near Bhubaneswar. Additionally, three 50-bed integrated Ayush hospitals are planned for Dhenkanal, Berhampur, and Balasore under the National Ayush Mission. The government has also allocated ₹500 crore to set up Ayushman Arogya Mandirs in every panchayat, strengthening primary healthcare.
Turning to agriculture, he underscored the need for effective soil conservation strategies and praised the efforts of Soil Conservation Extension Workers. He also highlighted the importance of proactive efforts in the Energy, Water Resources, and Steel and Mines departments to accelerate Odisha’s industrial and infrastructural growth.
The event was attended by Health and Family Welfare Minister Mukesh Mahaling, Steel and Mines Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena, and Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja. Encouraging the new recruits, they advised them to approach their duties with patience, integrity, and efficiency.
Many newly appointed officials expressed their gratitude to the government for ensuring a fair and transparent recruitment process. Additional Chief Secretary of the Steel and Mines Department, Surendra Kumar, delivered the welcome address, while Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department, Ashwathi S, gave the vote of thanks.
