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Health
CM Majhi Signals Zero Tolerance for Absentee Doctors in State Hospitals
In a strong move aimed at improving healthcare services across Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered strict action against doctors who have remained absent from duty for extended periods without authorization.
According to official records, 128 medical officers and dental surgeons have been absent from various government hospitals for more than five years. The Health Department had previously issued notices and even published announcements in newspapers, urging them to report back to work. However, many failed to respond, prompting the government to initiate disciplinary proceedings.
The crackdown has already led to the dismissal of Dr. Bichakhyana Panigrahy, a former Medical Officer at Kandhamal Police Hospital. He had reportedly been absent since 2012 and ignored repeated directives to explain his absence and resume duty. The government cited negligence and lack of commitment to patient care as reasons for his removal.
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that the state is investing heavily in healthcare infrastructure through new hospitals, upgraded facilities, and additional medical colleges. He stated that doctors entrusted with public service must fulfill their responsibilities, warning that prolonged absenteeism will not be tolerated.
The action reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring better healthcare access and accountability within Odisha’s public health system.
Economy
Odisha Tightens Rules as Legal Setbacks Drain Public Funds
The Odisha government has raised concerns over the growing financial burden caused by repeated legal defeats and irregular recruitment practices across various departments. In response, the Finance Department has issued a strict directive to Principal Secretaries, Secretaries, and Heads of Departments, urging them to improve legal compliance and administrative accountability.
According to official observations, several government departments have failed to defend cases effectively in courts, often missing deadlines or not responding on time. This has resulted in ex parte judgments against the state, forcing the government to pay large amounts in arrears and compensation, leading to significant financial losses.
To address the issue, the Finance Department has made it mandatory for departments to follow a detailed checklist before seeking financial approval for implementing court orders. The move is aimed at ensuring proper scrutiny and reducing avoidable expenses arising from legal disputes.
The department has also reminded officials to strictly follow the legal defence guidelines issued in 2017, noting that many departments have not been complying with them adequately.
Another major concern highlighted is the rise in illegal and backdoor appointments. Such appointments often lead to legal battles over regularisation in the High Court, consuming valuable government resources and taxpayer money. The Finance Department has warned all departments to adhere to established recruitment rules to prevent future litigation.
The government hopes that stricter compliance with legal procedures and transparent recruitment practices will help protect public funds and improve administrative efficiency.
