The Odisha Revenue Department has once again tightened its stance against corruption after Bamra Tehsildar Ashwini Kumar Panda, a 2019 OAS topper, was caught accepting a bribe of ₹15,000. Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari stressed that the government would not spare anyone found guilty of malpractice.
Tehsildar Suspended Amid Bribery Charges
Panda, once celebrated as a bright achiever in his batch, now faces immediate suspension. His downfall, from topper to tainted officer, is being seen as a warning to young bureaucrats who may be tempted to misuse their positions. Just two days earlier, another Kuchinda Tehsildar was suspended for alleged abuse of power in favour of an individual, reinforcing the government’s zero-tolerance approach.
Minister’s Stern Warning
Minister Pujari declared that “no officer will escape accountability”, highlighting that some corrupt officials have already been jailed for their crimes. He noted that monthly departmental reviews were being conducted to monitor progress and admitted that while corruption has reduced, complete eradication will take time. Still, exemplary punishments are intended to leave a lasting impact on offenders.
Public Participation Encouraged
The minister also urged citizens to play a role in exposing corruption. “Bring incidents of bribery, injustice, or illegality to our notice, and action will be taken even before vigilance or police arrive,” he assured. This call for public involvement reflects the government’s intention to build a direct link of accountability between citizens and the administration.
Part of BJP’s Larger Anti-Corruption Drive
The swift suspension and strict warning align with the BJP government’s wider anti-corruption campaign, aimed at restoring public trust in governance. Immediate investigations and prompt disciplinary action underline a proactive model of governance, showcasing the administration’s determination to root out graft.