Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Administrative Service (OAS) is facing a prolonged promotion crisis that has created an administrative deadlock, affecting both serving officers and civil service aspirants across the state.
Why has the problem continued for years?
The core reason is the unresolved dispute over seniority and the absence of a proper gradation list since 2019. Despite repeated demands, the government has failed to settle the issue, leading to a complete freeze in the promotion process and blocking the creation of more than 900 new OAS posts.
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What triggered the dispute?
In 2021, the Revenue Department released a provisional gradation list, which was challenged by two batches of officers over seniority. The matter eventually reached the court, and since then, promotions have remained stalled.
How many posts are lying vacant?
Around 300 OAS posts are currently vacant across the state. However, the government has been unable to resolve the promotion issue, which has prevented these posts from being filled.
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How did the OCS 2025 notification affect aspirants?
Due to the unresolved crisis, the OCS 2025 notification was initially released without any OAS posts, shocking aspirants. Later, the government added just 14 OAS posts through an addendum, but by then, the damage was already done.
Why are aspirants frustrated?
The delay and confusion in recruitment, despite hundreds of vacancies, has pushed many aspirants into frustration and uncertainty. Thousands of candidates feel their years of preparation have been undermined by administrative failures.
Who else is affected?
More than 200 officers eligible for promotion to Deputy Secretary are still waiting, while nearly 100 Deputy Secretaries have not been promoted to Joint Secretary. Direct recruits serving as OAS (Junior Branch), BDOs, and in other roles are also stuck without career progression.
Why is the government being questioned?
A key question now being raised is why the state government has failed to introduce clear and transparent promotion rules, similar to the All India Services, to prevent such disputes. The absence of a structured promotion framework has allowed confusion, legal battles, and administrative paralysis to continue for years.
What does this mean for the future?
Unless the government resolves the seniority issue and reforms promotion rules, both governance and civil service recruitment in Odisha are likely to remain trapped in uncertainty.
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