Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is grappling with a massive staffing shortfall, with 94,485 positions across various departments remaining unfilled as of February 12 this year. The figure was placed before the Odisha Assembly by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi while responding to a question from Baliguda MLA Chakramani Kanhar.
The Chief Minister informed the House that the School and Mass Education Department accounts for the largest share of vacancies, with 20,289 posts yet to be filled. The Home Department follows with 16,032 unoccupied positions, while the Health and Family Welfare Department has 10,457 vacancies. Several other departments are also facing manpower gaps, affecting administrative and service delivery functions across the state.
Majhi, however, highlighted that efforts are underway to bridge the deficit. Between June 12, 2024 and February 12 this year, the government has appointed 39,505 candidates to different posts in multiple departments.
Soon after assuming office in 2024, the BJP-led government had pledged to recruit 65,000 personnel within two years. Reiterating the commitment, the Chief Minister said recruitment agencies have been directed to speed up the selection process to ensure that vacant posts are filled at the earliest.
The disclosure has brought renewed focus on the pace of government hiring and the impact of prolonged vacancies on public services, particularly in education, policing and healthcare.
