Bhubaneswar, Aug 14: The ongoing protest by the district level Revenue Department employees in Odisha has entered another day on Thursday, causing disruptions in public services and administrative operations.

Despite an appeal from Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari to withdraw the agitation, the officers have continued their dharna (sit-in protest), demanding resolution of long-standing grievances.

On Wednesday, the Revenue Minister urged the Revenue employees association to end their protest and return to work, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public service delivery. He warned that any official found on leave without official approval would face salary suspension. However, the warning appears to have had little impact, as the protest continued unabated today.

Over 10,000 Revenue Department employees across all 30 districts have been on mass leave since Monday over a charter of 10 demands.

The association has been voicing concerns over issues such as delayed promotions, lack of infrastructure, and inadequate staffing in revenue offices across the state. Protesters argue that these challenges have hindered their ability to serve the public efficiently and have demanded immediate government intervention.

Citizens visiting revenue offices for land records, mutation applications, and other essential services have faced delays and inconvenience due to the ongoing agitation. Many expressed frustrations over the lack of resolution and urged the government to find a middle ground.

The protesting employees maintain that their protest is peaceful and aimed at drawing attention to systemic issues that have long been ignored. They have also stated that they are open to dialogue but expect concrete steps from the government.

As the standoff continues, administrative paralysis looms large, and pressure mounts on the government to address the demands without further delay.

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