Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has tightened rules for government employees and officers regarding leave and travel.
As per a new directive issued by the Finance Department, prior permission will now be mandatory for all officials before leaving their headquarters.
In a notification, the Department made it clear that in case of travel outside Odisha or out of India on personal grounds, sanction of leave other than casual leave must be obtained from the competent authority in advance. Employees will also have to take necessary prior permission for leaving headquarters before proceeding on such travel.
The department has further stated that for personal travel outside the state or country, officials must apply at least 21 days in advance. This relaxation will only be considered in case of emergencies. The order states that leave and permission to leave headquarters should be granted to the employee before they proceed on leave.
Citing reasons behind the decision, the Finance Department said it has come to notice that many officers and officials working in different directorates and subordinate offices under its administrative control are either proceeding without prior sanction of leave and permission, or are applying for the same at the last moment. This makes it difficult for authorities to process and approve the requests in time.
The notification has been sent to several key offices including the Chairman of Odisha Sales Tax Tribunal, Commissioner of CT & GST, Director of MDRAFM, Controller of Accounts, Director of Local Fund Audit, and Director of Treasuries & Inspection among others.
The Department has asked all heads to direct their officers and staff to strictly follow the new guidelines.
