The Odisha government has directed all departments to fix accountability for delays in issuing posting orders that lead to abnormal extension of joining time for government employees. The government noted that such lapses result in unnecessary financial burden on the state exchequer.

In a letter issued by Principal Secretary to Government, Sanjeeb Kumar Mishra to all Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries and Secretaries of departments, the government expressed concern over repeated cases where files related to posting orders and joining instructions were allegedly kept pending without adequate justification.

The government noted that Administrative Departments have already been delegated powers to sanction joining time up to 120 days as per Finance Department Office Memorandum dated March 28, 2011. Procedures regarding relief from old posts and joining at new places of posting had also been clearly laid down earlier through Finance Department instructions.

However, despite the existing guidelines, proposals seeking extension of joining time beyond six months were being submitted due to delays in issuing detailed posting orders, the letter stated.

Calling such instances ‘serious’, the government observed that delay in processing files often leads to payment of ‘idle salary’ without commensurate service, attracting adverse audit remarks and avoidable financial implications.

To address the issue, the government has directed departments to fix responsibility on officers whose inaction results in sanction of joining time beyond 30 days. It further stated that idle salary paid to government servants in such cases shall be recovered from the erring officials.

The government also instructed departments not to allow extension of joining time beyond permissible limits as a routine matter. Proposals seeking extension beyond 120 days, particularly beyond six months, would now face strict scrutiny.

In cases where employees have reported for duty but are awaiting detailed posting orders, departments and controlling authorities have been asked to ensure that their services are utilised in appropriate assignments to avoid payment of salary without work.

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The government further made it mandatory for departments to clearly mention reasons for any delay, identify officials responsible and specify action taken against them before submitting any proposal for extension of joining time.

“All Departments are requested to ensure strict compliance of these instructions. Any deviation in this regard shall be viewed seriously,” the letter added.