By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: With Odisha Engineers Service Association (OESA) strongly condemned the Odisha Government’s decision to re-engage Chandra Sekhar Padhi, a retired Engineer-in-Chief (EIC) in the Water Resources Department, as Officer on Special Duty (OSD)-cum-EIC for a period of six months, well informed sources alleged kickback behind the decision.
The re-engagement, confirmed by a notification from the Department of Water Resources on July 3, 2025, has sparked outrage among serving engineers who view it as a setback to their promotional prospects. There are 6 EICs in the department of Water Resources. Out of them the Principal EIC Er Chandrasekhar Padhi mysteriously got an extension on 3rd July,2025 after he got retired only on June 30.
There are 6 EICS in the department and people got astonished by such acts of the CMO and as well as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi that dooms promotion of the next incumbent in cadre of irrigation engineers. Er Padhi has been appointed as OSD cum EIC in the department. It has been mentioned in the order that Er Padhi is appointed as OSD and accorded an extension as per WR government circular of 12/09/2024 regarding appointment of OSDs in WR department.
OESA President Biranchi Narayan Pradhan has urged the State Government to immediately reconsider the appointment order. The Association emphasized that such re-engagements of retired officials obstruct the natural career progression of qualified and experienced serving engineers who are capable of holding top positions.
People having knowledge on Water Resources Department got surprise after such a mysterious order because according to the circular for any such OSD appointment there would be an open advertising.
After inviting applications the selection would be made by 3 member high level committee headed by Chief Secretary. In Er Padi case, basic parameter not followed . So where and when the government had an open advertisement? When the committee headed by CS did do this selection? Er Padhi has been indicted for corruption.
The Department has written to the Director Vigilance to investigate serious corruption charges against him on 12/05/2025. Allegation against him is that he has approved and recommended tender of worth Rs, 1000 crore violating tender rules of the government. Prima facie evidences show it were for Parties named LCC Projects Ltd , which involved in various infrastructure development projects in Odisha, including irrigation, water supply, and road construction and LC Infra, formerly known as Laxmi Construction.
The Association has called upon the State Government to prioritize the promotion of eligible and deserving serving engineers to the rank of Engineer-in-Chief, thereby fostering a conducive environment for professional growth and ensuring efficient functioning of the Water Resources Department.
