The Odisha government has reinforced that state employees must submit their updated annual property statements to be considered for promotions. A fresh circular issued by the General Administration Department on 27 November clarified the rule, after several departments sought guidance on the requirement.
The directive stems from the Odisha Government Servants’ Conduct (Amendment) Rules, 2021, which make timely submission of property details a compulsory condition for promotion. Officials noted that many employees had failed to file their statements on time, prompting the government to reissue instructions with clearer terms.
According to the circular, any employee who has not submitted the up-to-date property statement before the Departmental Promotion Committee meets will automatically be marked “not suitable” for promotion. The government has also stated that vacancies will not be held up because of non-compliance. Instead, eligible employees who have completed the required formalities will be considered for advancement.
The order, however, provides a limited window of relief. If an employee submits the pending statement after the DPC meeting but within the grace period set by the government, and is otherwise fit for promotion, their case may be reviewed in the next DPC meeting. In such situations, the employee can receive promotion from the date their junior was elevated, ensuring that their seniority remains intact.
Property statements are typically filed every January, but officials said a large number of employees had missed the deadline this year. The updated circular aims to ensure consistency, accountability and timely processing of promotions across departments.
