Odisha Secretariat Vacancy Crisis: 105 Posts Unfilled, Governance Hit

The Odisha Secretariat is grappling with a severe shortage of senior officials, raising concerns about governance and administrative efficiency.

In a written reply to MLA Souvic Biswal, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi disclosed that 105 Under Secretary posts and 1 Additional Secretary post remain vacant.

The crisis extends further, with 2 Joint Secretaries, 2 Deputy Secretaries, 4 Desk Officers, 365 Sub-Divisional Officers, and 348 Assistant Sub-Divisional Officers yet to be appointed.

The large-scale vacancies have already impacted the functioning of several departments, slowing down decision-making and policy implementation.

Officials have indicated that recruitment and appointments are being planned, but the scale of the shortage poses significant challenges.

The disclosure has sparked debate over the state’s administrative preparedness and the urgent need for reforms in staffing and governance.