Odisha Revenue Secretary Calls for Zero Tolerance Towards Corruption After ORS Officer Caught by Vigilance

Bhubaneswar: Calling the recent bribery allegation against a young Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) officer a serious wake-up call, Additional Chief Secretary of the Revenue and Disaster Management Department Arabinda Kumar Padhee has urged officials and employees to uphold transparency, integrity and accountability in public service.

In a letter addressed to all officers and employees of the department, Padhee expressed deep anguish over the incident and called for collective efforts to prevent the recurrence of such cases. He stressed that every official must remain honest, sincere and committed to their duties while placing public service at the centre of their work.

Emphasising a zero-tolerance approach towards corruption, the Revenue Secretary urged officials to strictly follow prescribed rules and procedures and ensure that there is no negligence or compromise in the discharge of their responsibilities.

He said government service should not be viewed merely as a means of livelihood but as an opportunity to serve people. At the same time, he cautioned against allowing a single incident to define the performance and reputation of the entire department, expressing confidence that the majority of its officers and employees continue to serve with sincerity and dedication.

As the administrative head of the department, Padhee reiterated his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, discipline and transparency in the discharge of his responsibilities.

He also called upon officials at all levels to promote mutual respect, cooperation and a strong sense of responsibility. A healthy and positive work environment, he said, would help employees use their abilities and potential to meet public expectations and build a citizen-centric administration.

Concluding his message, Padhee said protecting public faith in the Revenue Department and upholding its dignity and reputation were collective responsibilities. He urged all employees to remain guided by their conscience and humanity, reminding them that public trust is the department’s greatest asset.