Government Action / Jagatsinghpur Admin Cracks Down On Nodal Officers, Withholds Salaries

Jagatsinghpur, Mar 11: Jagatsinghpur district administration has taken stern action against absenteeism among officials overseeing paddy procurement centers. The District Collector has ordered the suspension of March salaries for 69 nodal officers after reports surfaced that many were absent from their assigned mandis without prior approval.

These nodal officers, drawn from various departments including Panchayat Executive Officers, Revenue Inspectors, and Village Welfare Workers, were entrusted with ensuring smooth operations at procurement centers across the district. However, their failure to remain present during critical procurement activities has disrupted the functioning of mandis and inconvenienced farmers.

The Collector’s directive makes it clear that the salaries for March will remain withheld until further orders. In addition, show-cause notices have been issued to all 69 officers, requiring them to explain their absence within three. The notices warn that further disciplinary measures may follow if satisfactory explanations are not provided.

The action spans multiple blocks including Biridi, Kujang, Tirtol, Raghunathpur, Naugaon, Jagatsinghpur, Erasama, and Balikuda. By enforcing accountability, the district administration aims to ensure that procurement centers operate efficiently and farmers receive timely support during the paddy procurement season.

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This move underscores the administration’s commitment to discipline and transparency in public service, sending a strong message that negligence in duty will not be tolerated.