Odisha Govt Warns Public Servants Against Attempting to Influence Transfers and Postings

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government issued a stern warning to all public servants on Monday, instructing them to refrain from exerting undue influence to secure favorable transfers and postings. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja conveyed the directive in a letter addressed to secretaries of all government departments and district collectors, emphasizing adherence to established conduct rules.

Chief Secretary Ahuja’s letter highlighted that the practice of attempting to influence transfer and posting decisions violates Rule 23 of the Odisha Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1959. The rule explicitly prohibits government employees from leveraging any form of influence, official or unofficial, to advance their own interests regarding appointments, promotions, pay, or other service-related matters.

“It has come to the notice of the Government that some Government employees are attempting to influence their transfer and posting to different posts by exerting extraneous influence. This practice is a clear-cut violation of Rule 23 of the Odisha Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1959,” wrote Ahuja in his letter, urging strict compliance with the regulation.

The Chief Secretary further emphasized that government employees are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity and conduct, adhering to principles of fairness and transparency in all service matters. Transfers and postings, he stated, are typically determined by administrative requirements, based on merit, and following established procedures.

Ahuja issued a clear warning of disciplinary actions for employees who attempt to influence their postings. “All Government employees are, therefore, prohibited from exercising any form of influence, direct or indirect, to secure favorable transfers or postings,” he stated, calling on department secretaries and district collectors to ensure that employees are made aware of and comply with the guidelines.