Odisha Government Intensifies Anti-Corruption Drive as Corruption-free State

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Vigilance anti corruption drive gained fresh momentum as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged the Vigilance Department to further intensify its efforts to make the state corruption-free. Addressing a high-level review meeting, the Chief Minister said the Odisha government is operating in full action mode against corruption and is committed to a strict zero-tolerance policy.

Majhi underlined that the Vigilance Department has gone beyond its two-decade history to set a remarkable benchmark through proactive enforcement and sustained action. He said the department’s recent performance clearly reflects the government’s determination to root out corruption at all levels of administration.

Odisha Vigilance Anti Corruption Drive Sets Record With 125 Investigations

During the review meeting, officials revealed that between April 1 and December 31, 2025, the state government directed the Vigilance Department to investigate 125 cases. This marked the highest number of cases ever assigned to the department within a nine-month period.

The Chief Minister noted that such a volume of investigations in such a short time had never occurred before in the state’s history. He said the scale of these investigations demonstrates the government’s seriousness in holding corrupt officials accountable and restoring public trust in governance.

Vigilance Department Achieves All-Time High in Case Disposal

In 2025, the Vigilance Department disposed of a total of 488 cases, reflecting a significant rise in efficiency and enforcement. Among these, 173 cases involved disproportionate assets, representing the highest number ever recorded in a single year.

Vigilance teams conducted raids at 487 locations across the state, leading to action in multiple bribery and disproportionate assets cases. These operations were described by the Chief Minister as a strong deterrent against corruption within government offices.

Major Seizures and Asset Freezing Highlight Enforcement Push

As part of the intensified crackdown, the department froze 1,199 bank accounts belonging to corrupt government employees. Authorities also seized 153 buildings, 417 plots of land, 12 farmhouses, and 18.3 kilograms of gold during the year.

In addition, deposits worth Rs. 36.69 crore and cash amounting to Rs. 8.8 crore were recovered. The Chief Minister said these figures highlight the depth of corruption being uncovered and the effectiveness of sustained vigilance operations.

CM Praises Vigilance Academy, Calls for Stronger Capacity Building

Majhi also congratulated the Vigilance Academy and the State Vigilance Department for securing ISO 9001:2015 certification, which has been granted to the Academy for the next three years. He said the certification reflects institutional discipline and professional standards within the department.

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Stressing that the time has come to make Odisha completely corruption-free, the Chief Minister urged the Vigilance Department to continue its campaign with greater resolve. He said the state must set an example that discourages government employees from engaging in corrupt practices.

The meeting also focused on strengthening the department through capacity building, recruitment, and filling vacant posts. The review was attended by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar, Director of Vigilance Yashwant Kumar Jethwa, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Shashwat Mishra, Additional Director of Vigilance Asit Panigrahi, and other senior officials.