Bhubaneswar: Following allegations of corruption and misconduct, Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo Thursday conducted a surprise inspection at the Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) office of the Energy department at Maitree Vihar, accompanied by a Vigilance team.
According to sources, the raid was a result of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Minister Gokulananda Mallik’s information to the Deputy Chief Minister about alleged corruption at the EIC office, prompting the surprise visit.
As per reports, no employees were present at the office when Singh Deo reached. Upon inquiring about their absence, a staffer said they had all gone for lunch. Singh Deo further pointed out that an outsourcing employee had been entrusted with handling all official government work. “I received a complaint from Minister Mallik about irregularities in this office.
Simanchal Sarab, a section officer who has been working here since 2009, allegedly appointed an outsourcing employee, identified as Panchanan Swain, to handle official government work, which is not as per provisions. Officers have also stated that Swain carries out work for those who pay him,” said Singh Deo.
Following the inspection, the Deputy CM instructed to take immediate action against the officers involved and address the ongoing irregularities.