A significant number of entry-level positions in the Odisha government remain unfilled, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for job seekers in the state. Official data reveals a substantial gap between sanctioned posts and active employees across numerous departments.
Magnitude of the Vacancy Crisis
According to a recent letter from the General Administration and Public Grievances (GA & PG) department, a staggering 96,127 entry-level posts are lying vacant across 41 different government departments. This figure is set against a total sanctioned strength of 3,92,377 positions, highlighting a major staffing shortfall.
The state administration has initiated steps to address this issue. Requisitions for direct recruitment to 43,447 posts have already been forwarded to the concerned recruiting agencies. Furthermore, plans are actively underway to seek the necessary approvals to fill an additional 26,240 vacancies, signaling a concerted effort to bridge the employment gap.
Departments with Highest Vacancies
The distribution of vacancies is not uniform, with certain departments facing a more acute shortage of staff.
The School and Mass Education department tops the list with a massive 22,439 vacancies against a sanctioned strength of 1,59,007 entry-level posts. Of these, the GA department has sent a requisition to fill 7,547 positions.
The Home department follows with 14,823 vacant posts out of a sanctioned strength of 60,953. The government has requested the recruitment of 4,758 people for this department.
Completing the top three is the Health and Family Welfare department, which has 10,457 unfilled positions from a total sanctioned strength of 53,300 posts.
Other departments reporting a sizeable number of vacant entry-level posts include:
- Revenue and Disaster Management Department: 5,345 vacancies
- Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department: 5,156 vacancies
- Fisheries and Animal Resources Development Department: 4,154 vacancies
- Forest Department: 3,484 vacancies
- SC/ST Development Department: 3,352 vacancies
- Agriculture and Farmers’ Empowerment Department: 3,327 vacancies
Public Reaction and Government's Pledge
The large number of vacancies has not gone unnoticed by job aspirants. Sunil Kumar Mishra, a hopeful candidate, urged the government to take immediate action. He emphasized that filling these 96,000 entry-level jobs would employ a significant number of educated youths and substantially reduce unemployment in Odisha.
In response to these concerns, the state government has outlined its commitment. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi recently stated that the government has already filled over 30,000 government positions. The administration has set an ambitious target to fill 65,000 posts within the first two years of the BJP government's term, with a broader five-year goal of filling 1.5 lakh government jobs.
This comprehensive recruitment drive, if executed effectively, promises to reshape the public sector workforce in Odisha and offer new hope to thousands of job seekers.
