Odisha Works Department Faces Heat Over Rehiring of Retired Bureaucrat
Appoints retired EIC as SHA technical expert, violating CM Mohan Majhi’s announcement
Bhubaneswar – Odisha Works Department Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan has stirred controversy by reappointing retired Engineer-in-Chief Puranchandra Mahapatra, defying the state government’s clear policy. The move has sparked anger within the department and raised serious concerns about favoritism, misuse of funds, and a breach of official norms.
Minister Pushes Private Consultants Over Department Staff
Despite the Mohan Majhi government’s policy, Harichandan continues to push departmental work to private agencies and consultants. These agencies now hold undue power and reportedly dictate terms to the Works Secretary. This has sidelined departmental expertise and raised questions about transparency.
OBCC Brings Retired Bureaucrat Back Through Backdoor
On April 8, the Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation (OBCC) appointed Mahapatra as a Technical Expert for the State Highway Authority. This comes despite the government’s earlier stand against appointing retired officials. The move is seen as a backdoor entry into the system.
Dual Roles, Daily Pay, and Questions
Mahapatra now holds two key posts — Managing Director of OBCC and Technical Advisor with the rank of Engineer-in-Chief. He reportedly earns Rs 10,000 per day, besides enjoying full retirement benefits. The public sees this as a case of double benefit at taxpayer cost.
Double Standards Exposed
Ironically, when Mahapatra was in service, he asked the government to terminate 26 lower-rank contractual employees. He called them a “financial burden.” Today, his own appointment costs the state much more. Critics call this blatant hypocrisy.
Departmental Officers Fume
Many Works Department officials are angry. This appointment blocks promotion chances for in-service officers. It reminds them of the Naveen Patnaik era, when retired bureaucrats dominated posts. The resentment is growing.
Public Money, Private Gains?
The Harichandan-led Works Department now faces serious questions. Is it ignoring government rules to benefit select individuals? Is public money being used to reward loyalists? As doubts rise over Mahapatra’s technical capabilities, citizens ask — is this how their money should be spent?
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