Bhubaneswar: Odisha govt has asked all district collectors to furnish updated details of gram rozgar sevaks (GRSs) who have completed five years or more of continuous service, a move that has sparked fresh discussion over their long-pending demand for regularisation and absorption into govt posts.In a letter dated July 10, the panchayati raj and drinking water department directed collectors to provide district-wise information on all eligible GRSs working under their jurisdiction. The department said it is considering the compilation of a consolidated database of such employees for administrative and policy purposes.The communication issued by under secretary Namita Sahoo noted that information on GRSs with five years or more of service had been sought earlier during the examination of proposals related to their absorption into the post of accountant-cum-data entry operator (ADEO). It added that similar data may be required from time to time for policy-related examinations and for furnishing information to various authorities.Collectors have been asked to submit updated particulars of eligible GRSs as on the date of issuance of the letter in a prescribed format. The details sought include the employee’s name, father’s or husband’s name, gender, social category and other service-related information.The directive comes at a time when GRS associations have been pressing the state govt for regularisation and enhanced service benefits. While the letter does not announce any policy decision, its reference to earlier proposals on absorption into ADEO posts is likely to raise expectations among thousands of GRSs across the state.
