Amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Odisha administration has revoked all sanctioned leaves for Revenue Divisional Commissioners (RDCs) and District Collectors, directing their immediate return to duty.
The General Administration and Public Grievance Department issued a directive on Friday, stating:
“Because of the ongoing war-like conditions on the western front of the country, all leaves sanctioned earlier in favour of all RDCs and Collectors & DMs are hereby cancelled. All officers on leave must return to headquarters and join duty immediately. No further leave shall be granted during this period.”
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi also announced enhanced security across critical infrastructure points in the state, including Chandipur, Jagannath Temple, and Hirakud Dam.
“We have increased security at many important places in Odisha. An emergency meeting was held today, and we will ensure robust security arrangements. We’ve also initiated the safe return of Odia students studying in Jammu,” the CM said.
Other states have followed suit. The Punjab government has revoked all leaves for IAS and PCS officers, now requiring approval from the Chief Secretary for any exceptions. The Health and Family Welfare Ministry has also suspended all staff leaves until further notice.
Their statement read:
“In view of the impending situation, no leave of any kind, including station leave, is to be granted to any officer except on medical grounds. Already sanctioned leaves stand cancelled and officers must resume duties immediately.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence will jointly brief the media on Operation Sindoor at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Tensions remain high following cross-border shelling by Pakistan, which caused significant damage in civilian areas of Jammu’s Rajouri district, raising widespread concern among local residents.
