Odisha Government Enforces Property Disclosure for Employee Promotions

The Odisha government has mandated that all state employees submit their updated annual property statements to qualify for promotions. This directive was issued by the General Administration Department on November 27, 2023. The move comes after officials observed a substantial number of employees missing the submission deadline despite numerous reminders.

According to the Odisha Government Servants’ Conduct (Amendment) Rules, 2021, property statements are essential for promotion eligibility. Employees are typically required to submit these statements by January each year. Failure to do so will result in the employee being deemed “not suitable” for promotion when the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) convenes.

The government has clarified that promotions and associated service benefits will be withheld for those who do not file their property declarations in a timely manner. The vacancies created by non-compliant employees will not be kept open; instead, they will be filled by those who have met the property statement requirements.

Employees who submit their property statements after the DPC meeting will still have a chance for consideration in future promotions if they meet other eligibility criteria. The official circular specifies that such employees can be granted national promotion from the date their junior was promoted, while their seniority will be preserved.

This recent policy underlines the Odisha government’s commitment to transparency and accountability among its workforce. By enforcing these disclosures, officials aim to ensure that promotions are awarded based on compliance and merit, thereby fostering a more responsible working environment within the state administration.