Bhubaneswar, May 20: In an effort to improve the efficiency and discipline of Cabinet meetings, the Odisha government has released a circular defining the role of Departmental Secretaries during such sessions.
According to the circular, Secretaries will not be allowed to attend or participate in Cabinet discussions unless their presence is explicitly required or permitted.
The directive, issued by Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar of the Parliamentary Affairs Department, sets forth stringent protocols for the submission of Cabinet Memoranda and related documents. These materials must be submitted at least three working days in advance, unless an exception is granted by the Chief Minister.
The circular further states that Secretaries should not be present in the Cabinet Room during meetings unless a matter concerning their department is under consideration. Even in such instances, they are expected to remain seated separately and enter the room only when called upon.
Once a decision is made on a matter, the responsibility for its implementation lies solely with the concerned Minister.
