lack of efficiency and unwarranted disciplinary action by senior officials has become a major de-motivating factor for subordinate staffs in the State Government.
Frequent suspension of subordinate officers without enough reason has become an irritant for hardworking and sincere officials. Besides, putting a blot on the officials’ annual confidential report, such actions also hamper their promotion avenues.
left with little option, a large number of suspended officials have approached courts to seek legal redressal to their woes. What makes matters worse is that the Government is losing most legal battles due to the fault of top bureaucrats.
Section 12 of the Odisha Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1962 clearly mentions the ground on which a senior officer can suspend his subordinate. Besides, guidelines in this regard have been issued by the Chief Secretary and the General Administration (GA) Department.
The Government recently released a proforma mentioning ways to execute suspension orders. Despite all these measures, it is alleged that junior employees face suspension without enough reason more often than not. On the other hand, huge amounts are being spent from the State exchequer as the suspensions are not being reviewed regularly for years.
Similarly, there is a clear provision for taking disciplinary action against Government employees under Sections 15 and 16 of the OCS Rules. As per the law, the Government needs to provide a ground under which the allegations are filed against the employee.
In many cases, the bureaucrats reportedly violate the law without following the criteria that are mandatory before initiating action against employees under the rules. While in some cases, the investigating officers acquit the accused on the basis of lack of proof and evidence, the top officials of the concerned departments initiate stern action against the employee which results in the Government losing cases filed by the aggrieved.
Several instances have come to the fore of late. A Tehsildar in Baripada became the victim of unwarranted disciplinary action when he sent a file to the district Collector after freeing an encroached Government land for the proposed treasury building construction.
Similarly, a Tehsildar in Aska was punished by the Revenue Department for obeying the Government order for obtaining lease in Balighaat.
Recently, a senior official in the Sports Department was suspended and punished for evicting illegal occupants in the Kalinga Stadium premises. An Assistant Professor in the MKCG Medical College and Hospital faced suspension due to a grudge nursed by his superior.