The Odisha government, under Chief Minister Mohan Majhi, has ended the widespread rehiring of retired employees that was common in the previous Biju Janata Dal administration. A new guideline limits rehiring to just 1% of the approved staff for senior positions and requires departments to justify the need for each rehiring. This change comes after the previous system, which allowed routine rehiring without proper reasons, was deemed inefficient. As Odisha’s financial situation improves, the focus will shift to filling vacancies through direct recruitment instead of relying on retired staff. Any rehiring decisions will now require approval from the Chief Minister.
Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Majhi has announced new regulations limiting the rehiring of retired government employees, a significant policy shift from the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) administration under Naveen Patnaik. The new guidelines restrict re-engagement to just 1% of the sanctioned staff in senior positions and require departments to justify the need for rehiring retired personnel.
The practice of hiring retired employees had increased notably between 2010 and 2014, as the government struggled with workforce shortages due to delays in fresh recruitments. This led to a reliance on rehiring retirees to manage day-to-day operations. However, the Majhi government has observed that this trend had become routine rather than exceptional, often without proper justification.
Under the new guidelines, if a position arises, it will be filled through regular direct recruitment or promotions instead of rehiring. The selection process will involve open advertisements, and a committee led by the Chief Secretary will evaluate the necessity of rehiring any retired employees. Only with the committee’s approval will the proposals be considered by the Chief Minister, who has the final say, eliminating the possibility of retroactive approvals.
These measures come as Odisha’s financial situation has improved, paving the way for a more sustainable approach to employment within the government. The guidelines aim to ensure fairness and accountability in the rehiring process, marking a significant change in the state’s workforce management strategy.
Published – September 12, 2024, 10:13 pm IST.
What is the new rule about rehiring retired employees in Odisha?
The government in Odisha has decided to stop the practice of rehiring retired workers without proper rules.
Why was this decision made?
This decision was made to ensure fair hiring practices and to stop any unfair advantages given to retired employees.
How does this affect retired employees?
Retired employees can no longer be rehired easily, which means they may need to look for new job opportunities elsewhere.
Will current rehired employees lose their jobs?
Current rehired employees will not lose their jobs immediately, but they will not be able to continue in this way after a certain period.
What should retired employees do now?
Retired employees should explore other job options or consider starting new activities instead of relying on being rehired.
