Odisha Govt Adopts Zero-Tolerance Policy Against Corruption: CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar, Oct 28 : Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday reaffirmed that the Odisha Government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption, aiming to ensure transparency and fairness in the implementation of welfare schemes.

Addressing the State-Level Vigilance Awareness Week function in Bhubaneswar, Majhi said the event was not a mere formality but a strong message that the government will not tolerate corruption at any level.

“When corruption enters our system, it erodes public trust and weakens the very foundation of governance. Fighting corruption is not just a duty but a moral obligation,” Majhi said.

Crediting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for integrating modern technologies to curb corruption, Majhi said the JAM trinity — Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile — has significantly reduced human interference and ensured that benefits reach rightful beneficiaries directly.

He informed that clear directions have been issued to take strict action against corrupt officials, irrespective of their rank. The Vigilance Department, he said, has emerged as one of the country’s leading anti-corruption agencies with a conviction rate crossing 50 percent.

Highlighting recent actions, Majhi said 30 government employees have been dismissed and pensions of 68 retired officials have been stopped after being found guilty of corruption.

“A clean and corruption-free administration is our mission. To achieve this, everyone must work with integrity,” he asserted.

The Chief Minister also stressed on strengthening preventive vigilance measures across departments to identify corruption-prone areas and promote transparency in governance. He assured that all necessary support would be provided to make the Vigilance Department more efficient, people-friendly, and robust.

On the occasion, Majhi administered the Oath of Integrity and Honesty to all participants. Awards were presented to the best-performing Vigilance units, investigating officers (both male and female), and public prosecutors.

Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja lauded the state’s vigilance efforts, saying that Odisha’s success in disaster management and countering left-wing extremism stemmed from strong commitment — a spirit equally vital in combating corruption.

Director General of Vigilance Yashwant Kumar Jethwa, in his welcome address, said this year’s Vigilance Awareness Week is being observed across districts, blocks, and panchayats through extensive awareness campaigns involving all departments.

The theme for this year’s observance is “Preventing Corruption: Our Collective Responsibility.”

Jethwa also outlined the department’s recent anti-corruption initiatives undertaken between June 12 and October 27, 2025, underscoring the government’s unwavering stand against graft.