Bhubaneswar, July 25: The Odisha Government has tightened regulations for government employees, making prior approval mandatory before they leave their headquarters. The State Finance Department has issued a notification stating that officials and employees must obtain permission before travelling outside their headquarters.

As per the new directive, government employees planning to travel outside the state or the country for personal reasons while on leave must seek approval at least 21 days in advance. However, exceptions may be considered in emergency situations.

The Finance Department said the move was prompted by instances of officers and employees travelling without obtaining prior permission. Additional Secretary of the department, Sagarika Hota, informed several senior officials, including the Chairperson of the Odisha Sales Tax Tribunal, the Commissioner of Commercial Taxes and GST, and the Director of Local Fund Audit, about the revised guidelines.

The department has also instructed subordinate employees to provide advance information before undertaking personal trips outside the state or country during their leave period. The new rule aims to ensure better administrative control and compliance among government personnel.