Bhubaneswar, Odisha – Biju Janata Dal (BJD) MLA Arun Sahoo found himself in a tricky situation during a recent Odisha Assembly session. He raised a question about the state's recruitment process for Revenue Inspectors (RIs) and Amin posts, which have remained vacant for some time. Sahu sought clarity on why these key positions were still unfilled, a concern for many citizens awaiting these appointments.
However, the response from Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari shifted the focus from Sahu’s query to a broader issue. Instead of directly addressing the vacancy problem, Minister Pujari took a job at previous BJD governments. He hinted that the problem of unfilled posts was a legacy inherited from former administrations.
“I am still investigating why these posts remain vacant,” said Pujari. “"But I must emphasise that this problem has been carried over from the previous administrations.” This comment by the Minister implied that the responsibility for the backlog of vacancies might not be solely the responsibility of the current administration, thereby redirecting attention to the past actions of the same party.
Arun Sahoo, who had intended to spotlight the state's recruitment gaps, unexpectedly faced criticism directed at his own party's past governance. This exchange sparked interest among political observers, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within the BJD as they manage public expectations and internal accountability.
The question of filling the RI and Amin posts remains a significant issue for Odisha, where efficient land and revenue management are critical for both urban and rural development. The public and opposition parties are now waiting to see how the government addresses these long-standing vacancies and whether further debates in the Assembly will bring more clarity.
While this incident has brought some tension to light, it also underscores the need for efficient governance and transparency in the state's recruitment processes.