GST Office in Jajpur Road Hit by Staff Shortage, Dilapidated Infrastructure , Ghadei Seeks Filling of Vacant Posts, New Office Building.
By Akshya Rout
Jajpur,29/08(PPT): The Additional Commissioner, Commercial Tax and Goods and Services Tax (GST), Territorial Range office at Jajpur Road, an important establishment in Odisha’s revenue administration, is facing prolonged administrative and infrastructure-related problems. The office was upgraded in 2004 in view of the growing importance of the Kalinganagar industrial belt as well as the mining areas of Joda and Barbil. The territorial range oversees three important circles—Jajpur, Keonjhar and Barbil. The range has a significant role in the state’s revenue administration and, after the Bhubaneswar Range, is among the highest revenue-generating jurisdictions in the state. However, several key posts have reportedly remained vacant for a prolonged period. The post of Additional Commissioner, heading the range, is currently vacant. As a result, the Additional Commissioner of the Cuttack-II Range has been entrusted with the responsibility on a deputation basis. The post of Additional Commissioner (Appeal) has also remained vacant for a considerable period. The absence of a regular officer, it is alleged, has affected the timely disposal of appeal cases. The office is also facing serious infrastructure-related problems. The building, which is around 75 years old, has reportedly become dilapidated and unsafe. During the monsoon, extensive water leakage from the roof and persistent dampness create difficulties for officials and employees. There are also concerns that continued exposure to moisture could damage government records, equipment and other office materials. Against this backdrop, former minister Prafulla Chandra Ghadhei has urged the Chief Minister to intervene and take immediate steps to fill the vacant posts of Additional Commissioner and Additional Commissioner (Appeal) on a regular basis. He has also demanded construction of a new administrative building with adequate infrastructure and provision of residential quarters for the employees of the office.
Ghadhei has emphasised that strengthening the office is essential given its importance to revenue administration and the industrial and mining activities covered by the territorial range.