A notification issued by the Parliamentary Affairs Department has outlined the structural modifications made by the government.
“As per instructions contained in Part III of the Rules of Business deals with the Procedure of Odisha Cabinet, it has been decided to reiterate strict adherence to these instructions. Accordingly, certain decisions have been taken under the approval of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi,” the notification read.
The circular, issued by Additional Chief Secretary Surendra Kumar of the Parliamentary Affairs Department, lays down strict guidelines for submitting Cabinet Memoranda and related documents. These documents must be submitted at least three working days in advance, except with the permission of the Chief Minister.
As per the circular, secretaries are not to be present in the Cabinet Room during meetings unless their case is under discussion.
Even when their case is being discussed, Secretaries are required to sit separately and enter the Cabinet Room only when required. Once a decision is taken, the concerned Minister is responsible for ensuring its implementation.
While the circular tightens procedural control and limits the secretarial presence and influence during Cabinet meetings, it clarifies that the statutory powers of Secretaries under the Rules of Business remain unchanged.
