Bhubaneswar, Oct 8: The INDIA bloc has called for a 12-hour Odisha bandh on Thursday, with the shutdown scheduled from 6 am to 6 pm. In view of the bandh, the state government has directed authorities to strengthen security arrangements at government offices in the capital city.

The State Home Department has issued a special Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) covering security measures and the attendance of government employees during the shutdown. The guidelines will apply to Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan and the offices of major Heads of Departments.

Government employees working at Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan and Krushi Bhawan have been advised to reach their respective offices by 9:30 am.

As part of the security measures, the front gate of Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 10:15 am. Thereafter, entry will be permitted only through the rear gate under controlled conditions. The connecting gate between the Red Building and the main Lok Seva Bhawan will remain open.

However, security checks at entry points will be intensified. Security personnel have also been instructed to verify the identity cards of all employees before allowing them to enter the offices.

The bandh has been called by major INDIA bloc parties, including the Congress, CPI and CPI(M), demanding the resignation of Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) issue.

The opposition parties have urged people to support the shutdown as part of their protest against the Election Commission's handling of the matter.