Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Friday sanctioned several important proposals, including the formation of the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission (OUSSSC), aimed at ensuring timely, transparent, efficient, and merit-based recruitment across all uniformed services in the State. The State government endorsed these proposals during a Cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. Currently, the recruitment for various ranks in the Odisha Police and other uniformed services is conducted by separate departmental boards, which has resulted in considerable delays and irregularities in the examination process.
To address this issue, a dedicated recruiting agency, the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission (OUSSSC), will be established under the General Administration and Public Grievance department to streamline recruitment for officers and personnel in the Odisha Police and various uniformed services within the Home department, Excise department, Forest, Environment and Climate Change department, and Commerce and Transport department. Official sources indicated that the primary aim of creating this commission is to facilitate timely, transparent, efficient, and merit-based recruitment across all uniformed services in Odisha through a standardized, technology-driven, and accountable process. Consequently, the drafting of the Odisha Uniformed Services Staff Selection Commission Rules, 2025, has been approved.
It is important to mention that significant irregularities were recently exposed in the Sub-Inspector recruitment examination conducted by the Odisha Police Recruitment Board, prompting discussions for the establishment of a separate board to ensure a timely and transparent recruitment process for various uniformed services. This decision was influenced by the revelation of major irregularities in the recruitment for 933 SI posts. The written examinations for this recruitment have been cancelled three times, and the case has been referred to the CBI for investigation. A total of 126 individuals, including 114 candidates for the SI posts in the Odisha Police, Fire Service, and other uniformed services, have been arrested in connection with the recruitment scam.
These candidates have since been released on bail after a month in jail, while the CBI has initiated a case and begun its inquiry following the State government’s recommendation for a high-level investigation. Additionally, the State Cabinet has approved the adoption of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 (No. 5 of 2024), enacted by Parliament under Article 252 of the Constitution. The government asserts that this decision reflects the State’s proactive stance in streamlining regulatory frameworks while ensuring effective environmental protection. “The adoption of the Amendment Act underscores Odisha’s commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment while upholding high standards of environmental conservation.
This initiative will help the State find a balance between economic growth and ecological sustainability,” the government remarked.