Bhubaneswar: Revenue and Disaster Management Additional Chief Secretary Dr Arabinda Kumar Padhee has called for zero tolerance towards corruption and urged officers and employees of the department to uphold the highest standards of integrity, transparency and accountability in public service.
In a letter addressed to departmental officials, Padhee expressed deep anguish over the recent arrest of a young Odisha Revenue Service (ORS) officer by Vigilance authorities on allegations of accepting a bribe, describing the incident as a serious wake-up call for the department.
Urging officials to remain vigilant and ensure that such incidents are not repeated, he stressed strict adherence to prescribed rules and procedures, cautioning against negligence or any compromise in the discharge of official responsibilities.
Emphasising that government service is not merely a means of livelihood but an opportunity to serve people, Padhee said an isolated incident should not define the performance or image of the entire department. He expressed confidence that the majority of its officers and employees were discharging their duties with sincerity, integrity and dedication.
Reiterating his commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics, discipline and transparency, the senior official also called for mutual respect, cooperation and a strong sense of responsibility among personnel at all levels to foster a healthy and positive work environment.
He urged departmental employees to collectively work towards building a transparent, dedicated and citizen-centric administration that meets public expectations.
Underscoring that preserving public trust and safeguarding the dignity and reputation of the Revenue Department were collective responsibilities, Padhee said officials must remain guided by their conscience and sense of humanity, recognising public trust as their greatest asset.
