The Odisha government has extended an opportunity for retired officials of the Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) to apply for contractual roles as Officers on Special Duty (OSD).

As per reports, the initiative spearheaded by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities aims to appoint these officers initially for a period of one year, with the possibility of extending their tenure for up to three years subject to satisfactory performance. The total duration of service is capped at four years or until the officer reaches the age of 65, whichever comes first.

"In pursuance of GA&PG Department Resolution No. 26993, dated 12.09.2024 applications are invited from retired OAS Cadre Officers for their engagement as "Officer on Special Duty" on contractual basis in the SS&EPD Department under the following terms and conditions," read the notification issued by the Department of Social Security and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities.

"The re-employment shall be made initially for a period of one year and can be extended for subsequent period of three years with spells of one year each subject to satisfactory performance up to a total period of four years not beyond the age of sixty-five years of age in any case or till the posts are filled up by regular process whichever is earlier. Re-employed officers will be entitled to pay, leave and other allowances as determined by the Administrative Department/Appointing Authority with the concurrence of the Finance Department. Re-employed officers shall be governed by the provisions of Odisha Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1957 and can be proceeded against for their misconduct, omissions and commissions as per the provisions under the Odisha Pension Rules, 1992," the notification further read.

"The re-employment can be terminated at any time by the respective appointing authority due to unsatisfactory performance or otherwise by giving one month notice. On the contrary if any re-employed officer desires to resign he shall do so by giving one month's written notice to the Competent Authority. The case of officers shall be considered for re-engagement only after the retired officer has vacated the government accommodation allotted to them. (However, Government may relax this provision where-ever it feels necessary in the interest of exigencies of situation. The applicant with all relevant information and Bio-data of the applicant should be addressed to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary, SS&EPD Department and should reach this Department within 15 days from the date of issue of this Notice. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary, SS&EPD Department reserves the right to reject any/ all applications with/without assigning reasons thereof," it added.

Opposition Questions Move, BJP Hits Back

However, the Opposition parties have voiced their concerns against the move.

"Earlier, ruling BJP had ruled out reappointment of retired OAS officers. However, they have made a u-turn and issued a notification for their rehiring. This kind of double standard is not acceptable," said senior Congress leader Suresh Routray.

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"Keep your own words promised to the people of Odisha. If you were criticising our government then, you must beg for apology now," said BJD leader Arun Sahoo.

In response, the ruling BJP accused the previous BJD government by saying that they were forced to take this kind of decision as so many posts were lying vacant during the tenure of the earlier dispension.

"There has been shortage of officials in the governance during the tenure of BJD. Many important posts are lying vacant. Those posts could not be filled up immediately. Hence Mohan Majhi government is looking for efficient officials to work on these posts," said BJP leader Saroj Padhi.