Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari has issued a clear message to Amala Sangha, a collective of revenue officers, regarding their decision to take general leave to advocate for a restructuring of the cadre. In a statement that was firmly worded, Pujari warned that the government is ready to halt salary and take any necessary measures if the officials don’t return to work immediately. He also emphasised that the public service remains unaffected.
The Amala Sangha’s demonstration, which started this week, has disrupted services related to revenue across the state, creating discomfort for those who require assistance with land records and property transfers, as well as other administrative tasks. The main demand is a restructuring of the Odisha Revenue Service’s (ORS) staff to tackle issues like promotions and workload distribution. The reality is, Pujari asserted that the government has already addressed these issues and advised officials to stop their protests.
Government’s Firm Stance
When he spoke in the press, Pujari clarified that government officials are dedicated to ensuring the seamless delivery of revenue services even if there is a strike of officials. “The government is prepared to provide revenue services to people, regardless of any of the Amala Sangha. If the work isn’t completed, the salaries will be cut off. “Work is not done; there’s no pay,” he declared in a statement that emphasised the state’s zero-tolerance policy against disruptions to public services.
Pujari disclosed his concern that restructuring cadres are already being referred to the Revenue Department for review. The Revenue Department has described the mass leave as “unacceptable” and stated that district collectors were instructed to cancel all leave applications and ensure compliance. “No leave will be granted during this time. The government is willing to discuss, but solutions are only possible via discussion and not through tension,” he added, soliciting those in the Amala Sangha to resume work immediately.
Cadre Restructuring: A Contentious Issue
Minister Xavier Beynon stated that the demand for reorganising the cadre did not come from the Revenue Department but is currently under review. “We are ready to discuss and resolve the issue through the appropriate channels.” However, taking a massive leave without waiting for a decision is not the right solution,” Pujari said, insisting on officials to stop their protest.
It is believed that Amala Sangha’s move to go on a mass leave has sparked criticism due to the timing of her departure, especially since it is a time when the Revenue Department is in the process of implementing major changes designed to increase efficiency and ensure that the public has access to services. This year Pujari made announcements to eliminate outdated laws, end the delegation of non-revenue work in the hands of revenue officials, and cut down on corruption in the department, indicating the need for a larger push towards reforms to the administration.
Public Impact and Government’s Response
The strike has triggered massive disruptions, and there are reports of long lines and delays at the tehsil offices throughout Odisha. People, especially those living in rural areas, have expressed discontent over the delays in the processing of land-related documents. As a result, the government has instructed district collectors to employ other staff members and to explore digital options to limit the impact on the public service.
Accusations of corruption and inefficiency have stung the state’s revenue management, prompting the warning. Minister Pujari has taken a firm approach to corruption, delivering show-cause notices to more than 300 officials in relation to irregularities in land sales and advising millers involved in paddy procurement of serious consequences.
A Call for Dialogue
Although the government is solid in its position, Pujari said that dialogue is open. “We are ready to meet and seek the solution through discussions. We believe that Amala Sangha’s demands should not overshadow public welfare. He said. The minister’s call to action is a reflection of the government’s intention to balance administrative reforms while solving the issues for its staff.
The standoff continues to rage on; everyone is watching how the Amala Sangha will follow the request of the minister and go back to work or escalate their protests, which could lead to tougher actions from state officials. The people of Odisha, caught in the midst of this administrative battle, are eagerly anticipating the return of vital revenue services.
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