Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has issued a stern warning to Block Development Officers (BDOs) and Panchayat Executive Officers, urging them to reform their approach toward public representatives or face serious repercussions. 
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi Warns BDOs: "Improve or Face Consequences"

Addressing a gathering of BDOs in Bhubaneswar, the CM expressed dissatisfaction with the grassroots administration's inefficiencies and called for immediate corrective measures.  

Respect Public Representatives, Says CM  

Majhi emphasized that elected representatives, including sarpanches (village council heads), must be treated with dignity. He revealed that several MLAs had complained about BDOs neglecting or disrespecting them, even refusing basic courtesies like offering a chair during meetings. 
"It is unfortunate that such incidents are happening," Majhi said, adding that such behavior would not be tolerated under his government.  
The CM, who rose from being a sarpanch to the state's top executive, stressed his deep understanding of grassroots governance. 
"I was not directly elected as Chief Minister. I started as a sarpanch and worked my way up. I know how the system functions at the village level," he said.  

Ending the "Old Culture" of Bureaucracy  

Majhi made it clear that the bureaucratic culture of the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government would no longer be acceptable. 
"Our government has completed 11 months in power. The first 2-3 months may have seen old practices, but this is a BJP government now. Things must change," he asserted.  
He warned officers against ignoring public representatives, stating, "You are sitting to listen to the people’s grievances, but why won’t you listen to their elected leaders? Their concerns must be addressed." The CM also dismissed any perception of his simplicity being a weakness, declaring,
"My humility is not my weakness. I have records of everyone’s performance—those who work well will be rewarded, and those who don’t will face consequences."  

Focus on Accountability and Efficiency 

Majhi directed officials to prioritize public welfare over political pressures. He emphasized that his administration would not tolerate inefficiency or arrogance in governance. Additionally, he advocated for manual labor under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) instead of excessive reliance on machines, ensuring more job opportunities for local workers.  
Praising senior officer Manoj Kumar Mahanty from the General Administration Department, Majhi recalled their positive working relationship when Mahanty was a BDO during his sarpanch days. The CM’s remarks underscored his expectation of professionalism and cooperation between bureaucrats and elected representatives.  

Conclusion: A Stern Yet Reform-Oriented Approach  

CM Majhi’s strong message signals a shift toward greater accountability in Odisha’s administration. By demanding respect for public representatives and efficient service delivery, he aims to strengthen governance at the grassroots level. His warning to underperforming officers highlights his no-nonsense leadership style, setting the tone for a more responsive and people-centric administration in the state.