Odisha is currently confronting a critical shortfall in its senior civil services, with 182 key positions lying vacant across the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Police Service (IPS), and Indian Forest Service (IFS). Out of 584 sanctioned posts in these three cadres, only 402 are presently filled.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi brought this pressing issue to light during a recent Assembly session, warning that the shortage poses serious challenges to effective governance, public service delivery, and internal security.
Alarming Vacancy Breakdown Across Core Services
In response to a query from BJD MLA Arun Sahoo, CM Majhi presented a detailed breakdown of the vacancies. The IAS cadre currently has 45 unfilled posts out of 248 sanctioned positions. The IPS is short by 66 officers from its sanctioned strength of 195. The IFS is facing the most severe deficit, with 71 vacancies out of 141 posts.
Administrative and Security Implications
The shortage is affecting multiple dimensions of Odisha’s governance. A reduced IAS workforce is slowing down policy planning and execution. The lack of IPS officers is undermining law enforcement and internal security operations. Meanwhile, the IFS shortfall is impeding forest conservation and ecological management—areas crucial to the state’s environmental stability.
State Appeals for Central Support
CM Majhi informed the Assembly that the state government has formally approached the Centre, urging expedited recruitment and deployment of officers to bridge these gaps. The appeal includes calls for more efficient cadre allocation and faster recruitment timelines to strengthen Odisha’s administrative framework.
Growing Concern and Demand for Reform
The disclosure has sparked concern among legislators across party lines and among citizens. Several members of the Assembly have demanded urgent reforms in the recruitment and allocation processes to prevent further strain on Odisha’s governance due to persistent personnel shortages.
