Thursday, 6 November 2025

Commemoration of 150th years of National Song "Vande Mataram"

ଭାରତର ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ଗୀତ "ବନ୍ଦେ ମାତରଂ" ର ୧୫୦ ତମ ପୁର୍ତ୍ତି ଉତ୍ସବ ପାଳନ 
  ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ସ୍ତରୀୟ ଉତ୍ସବ
 

ଇନ୍ଦିରା ଗାନ୍ଧୀ ଇଣ୍ଡୋର ଷ୍ଟାଡିୟମ, ନୂଆଦିଲ୍ଲୀ 
  ରାଜ୍ୟ ସ୍ତରୀୟ ଉତ୍ସବ  
ପଞ୍ଚାୟତିରାଜ୍ ବିଭାଗ ସାମ୍ନା ପଡିଆ, ଲୋକସେବା ଭବନ 
  ତାରିଖ ଓ ସମୟ  
ତା.୦୭.୧୧.୨୦୨୫ରିଖ  (ଶୁକ୍ରବାର)  
ପୂର୍ବାହ୍ନ ୯:୩୫ ଘଟିକା : ମାନ୍ୟବର ପ୍ରଧାନମନ୍ତ୍ରୀ ଙ୍କ ଦ୍ଵାରା ଉଦଘାଟନ 
ପୂର୍ବାହ୍ନ ୯:୫୦ ଘଟିକା : ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରୀୟ ସଙ୍ଗୀତ "ବନ୍ଦେ ମାତରଂ" ସମୂହ ଗାନ 


GOVERNMENT OF ODISHA
Odia Language, Literature & Culture Department

CLICK HERE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD.PDF

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GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Culture

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to inaugurate the year-long Commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” on 7th November 2025 

Posted On: 05 NOV 2025 8:58PM by PIB Delhi 

The Ministry of Culture will organize the Inaugural Ceremony of the Commemoration of 150 Years of the National Song “Vande Mataram” on 7 November 2025 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi. The occasion will be graced by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi as the Chief Guest. This event marks the formal launch of a year-long nationwide commemoration from 7th November 2025 to 7 November 2026, celebrating 150 years of this timeless composition which inspired India’s freedom movement and continues to evoke national pride and unity. 

2025 marks 150 Years of Vande Mataram. Our national song “Vande Mataram”, by Bankimchandra Chatterji is believed to have been written during the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Navami which was on 7th November in 1875. Vande Mataram first appeared in the literary journal Bangadarshan as part of his novel Anandamath in a serialised manner and later as a standalone book in 1882. During that period, India was undergoing major social, cultural and political changes, and there was a growing consciousness of national identity and resistance to colonial rule. The song, invoking the Motherland as the embodiment of strength, prosperity and divinity, gave poetic expression to India’s awakening spirit of unity and self-respect. It soon became an enduring symbol of devotion to the nation. On 24 January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, President of the Constituent Assembly, declared that “Vande Mataram”, having played a historic role in the freedom struggle, shall be accorded equal honour with the National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana.” 

The celebrations will commence at 10:00 AM with a Mass Singing of the full version of “Vande Mataram” spread across public places and have participation of all citizens, school children, college students, officials, elected representatives, police personnel, doctors, teachers, drivers, shopkeepers and all other relevant stakeholders across all segments of society, in conjunction with the main event in the presence of the Prime Minister. 

In recognition of its historic importance and national significance, the Union Cabinet, under the guidance and leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has approved the nationwide celebrations on 1 October 2025 to mark 150 years of the national song, Vande Mataram. Subsequently, a year-long commemoration from 7th November 2025 to 7th November 2026 has been approved by the National Implementation Committee on 24 October 2025. 

The salient features of the inaugural ceremony will include:

  • Cultural Programme before arrival of the Chief Guest. 
  • Curated Exhibition tour on the history of 150 Years of National Song Vande Mataram. 
  • Floral tribute to Bharat Mata. 
  • Vande Mataram: Naad Ekam, Roopam Anekam: Concert on Culture Stage in front of Chief Guest with approx. 75 musicians conducted by internationally acclaimed Violin Maestro Dr. Manjunath Mysore, featuring a confluence of diverse traditional Indian musical genres. 
  • Screening of a short documentary film 150 Years of Vande Mataram. 
  • Release of a Commemorative Stamp and Coin. 
  • Addresses by distinguished dignitaries and invited guests on the dais. 
  • Keynote Address by the Chief Guest. 
  • Mass Singing of Vande Mataram. 

All States/UTs, Union Ministries/Departments, and their attached/subordinate offices will organize Mass Singing of “Vande Mataram” at 10:00 AM on 7 November 2025 at their respective office premises, synchronised with the inaugural ceremony. The live telecast of the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Address will also be arranged for collective viewing in offices and institutions across the country. 

A dedicated campaign website https://vandemataram150.in/ has been launched by the Ministry of Culture wherein the following features will be made available for the public and institutional participation: 

Approved branding collaterals (hoardings, banners, web creatives). 

Short film and curated exhibition. 

Audio with lyrics of the full song for Mass Singing. 

“Karaoke with Vande Mataram”, feature which will enable citizens to record and upload their own rendition of the song on the campaign portal. Citizens from all walks of life are encouraged to participate and express their devotion to the Motherland. 

All citizens of the country are earnestly encouraged to participate in large numbers, as a collective expression of patriotism and gratitude to honour our national song which continues to unite us in pride, reverence and shared identity.
 ***** 
Sunil Kumar Tiwari 
pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com 
(Release ID: 2186757)

Tuesday, 4 November 2025

8- Teams enter Quarter Final : Matches on 6th November

Eight Teams i.e. Finance, School& Mass Education, Revenue & DM, Agriculture & FE, Panchayatiraj & DW, Cooperation, Fisheries & ARD, Home(Election) Department enter Quarter Final in Secretariat Cup (Football), 2025 being organised by Panchayatiraj & Drinking Water Department Cultural Association.

As per the schedule, following matches will played in quarter final on 6th November, 2025 at Secretariat Mini Stadium.

Annual Function : W&CD Department Cultural Association



Registration Form for Creche 'KALIKA' inside Kharvel Bhawan

Applications are invited from the interested employees of Kharvel Bhawan who want to avail the Creche facility "KAALIKA" at Kharvel Bhawan for their children in the enclosed format latest by 07.11.2025 for scrutinization and further processing for the same.

# Preference shall be give to 06 months to 3 year child in the first phase.

                        UNDERTAKINGS                         

1. Parents have to abide by the rules and regulations of the Creche. 

2. Parents have to send the required food for their babies for the whole day. 

3. During any illness or health issues, if the child is suffering, the child should not be sent to the creche as they need special care and the presence of their parents. 

4. The creche facility for the child will be available as long as the parents continue to be employees of the Secretariat. 

5. The well-being of the child is the responsibility of the parents and the Creche will not be held liable for any events beyond the control of the Creche management. 

6. For emergency/health issues arise during Creche hours, parents must immediately attend to the child at Creche and do the needful. 

7. For safety and security reasons, parents should not to bring their children inside Departmental premises. Children should be attended to and kept only at the Crèche during working hours.

Click here to view/download REGISTRATION FORM.pdf

Monday, 3 November 2025

Secretariat Cup (Football) 2025 : Pre-Quarter Final starts today

ଗତ ଅକ୍ଟୋବର  ୧୬ ତାରିଖରୁ ସଚିବାଳୟ ମିନିଷ୍ଟାଡିୟମ ରେ ଚାଲିଥିବା ୪ର୍ଥ ଆନ୍ତଃ-ବିଭାଗୀୟ ଫୁଟବଲ ଟୁର୍ଣ୍ଣାମେଣ୍ଟ ୨୦୨୫ ର ଲିଗ୍ ପର୍ଯ୍ୟାୟ ମ୍ୟାଚ୍ ଗୁଡ଼ିକ ସମାପ୍ତ ହୋଇ ସାରିଛି । ପଞ୍ଚାୟତିରାଜ ଓ ପାନୀୟ ଜଳ ବିଭାଗ ସାଂସ୍କୃତିକ ପରିଷଦ ଦ୍ୱାରା ଆୟୋଜିତ ଏହି ଟୁର୍ଣ୍ଣାମେଣ୍ଟରେ ୩୩ ଟି ବିଭାଗ ମୋଟ ୮ଟି ଗ୍ରୁପରେ ଭାଗ ହୋଇ ଖେଳୁଥିଲେ। ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ଗ୍ରୁପରେ ଶୀର୍ଷ ଦୁଇ ଦଳ ଚୟନ ହୋଇ ପ୍ରି କ୍ୱାର୍ଟର ଫାଇନାଲ ମ୍ୟାଚ ପାଇଁ ଚୟନ ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି। ନଭେମ୍ବର ୩ ଓ  ୪ ତାରିଖରେ ଏହି ମ୍ୟାଚ୍ ଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଖେଳାଯିବ।

A1 : Finance 
A2 : Home (E)
B1 : Cooperation 
B2 : Higher Education 
C1 : Panchayatiraj & DW (A)
C2 : Forest Env. & Climate Change 
D1 : Health & Family Welfare 
D2 : Fisheries & Animal Resources Development 
E1 : School & ME
E2 : Energy 
F1 : Food Supply & CW
F2 : Home
G1 : GA&PG
G2 : Revenue & DM
H1 : ST&SC Dev, M&BCW
H2 : Steel & Mines

For details match results and point table, CLICK HERE

Saturday, 1 November 2025

Local Holiday on 3rd, 4th & 6th November for Bada Osha & Chhadakhai

Revenue Divisional Commissioner (South Division), Berhampur has declared 03.11.2025 ( last Monday of Karttik Month) as Local Holiday for following districts.
03.11.2025 : Ganjam, Gajapati, Nabarangpur, Malkangiri Districts and Baliguda Sub-Dvn

Revenue Divisional Commissioner (North Division), Sambalpur has declared 04.11.2025 (Bada Osha) and 06.11.2025 (Chhadakhai) as Local Holiday for following districts.
04.11.2025 : Angul & Dhenkanal Districts 
06.11.2025 : Deogarh District and Sundargarh Sadar Sub-dvn

Similarly , High Court has declared 3rd November as holiday and 29th November as working day.





Thursday, 30 October 2025

Observance of Rastriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day)

The Government observes 31st October all over the country as a special occasion, to foster and reinforce our dedication to preserve and strengthen the unity, integrity and security of our nation, by celebrating it as Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

The occasion provides us an opportunity to re-affirm the inherent strength and resilience of our nation to withstand the actual and potential threats to the unity, integrity and security of our country.

Home Department has instructions to all Departments, all HoDs, all Collectors and all SPs for organisation of pledge taking ceremony by Heads of Offices at 11 AM on 31.10.2025 for the observance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day) 2025.


44515 Dt.29.10.2025

Wednesday, 29 October 2025

Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion - Accountability : Usha Padhee, IAS

Fighting corruption isn’t easy. But it’s necessary

If we want to improve governance and promote ease of doing business, we must reduce monopoly, minimize discretion, and strengthen accountability, suggests Usha Padhee.

VIGILANCE Awareness Week is around the corner and the theme for this year is ‘Vigilance: Our Shared Responsibility’. This theme resonates deeply with me, because I have lived through what it truly means to take that responsibility, not just in words, but in action.

We often hear about corruption in government offices. Yet, those who come forward to report it usually face long, complex, and intimidating procedures. The system, meant to protect integrity, often ends up exhausting the very people who try to uphold it. Delayed outcomes, technical hurdles, and personal harassment make many lose faith in the fight against corruption. Still, I believe that if we wish to become a truly developed nation, we must confront these realities head-on. This article is not to discourage, but to reform.

In 2018, while serving in the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, I received a complaint that an Assistant Section Officer (ASO) in our department was allegedly demanding bribes for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to airlines. For context, civil aviation is a highly regulated sector due to the safety and security concerns involved. Even individuals wishing to purchase an aircraft for personal use had to obtain a departmental from the department NOC, a rule I later abolished to promote Ease of Doing Business.

One day, a promoter of a private airline approached me, visibly disturbed. He confided that the ASO had asked for money to clear his file. I was shocked. I had always believed my team was driven by integrity and purpose. However, I assured him of taking action. Soon after that, the complainant connected me to the ASO over a phone call when I was sitting in the office. At that moment, I had a choice: disconnect, or become a witness. I knew the risks. But I also thought, if not me, then who? I continued to listen. The ASO, unaware of my presence on the line, demanded a bribe for clearing a file that was already approved at the competent level. My heart sank. The disappointment was personal; this was someone I had mentored and trusted.

Without hesitation, I reported the matter to the Establishment Officer and the Secretary of the Ministry. Many of my colleagues advised me to simply issue a warning and settle the matter internally, reminding me of the personal risks. But my conscience didn’t allow me to stop there and I wanted to create deterrence to such wrong doers. I filed a formal complaint with the Vigilance Division, which later referred the case to the CBI.

As it is famously said that;
Corruption is equal to Monopoly plus Discretion minus Accountability. Vigilance is not just the duty of a department, it is the shared responsibility of every citizen and every officer who believes in the power of integrity.

It raised many eyebrows. After all, it’s not common for an IAS officer to voluntarily take a corruption case within their own office to the CBI. But I believed it was my duty. However, there was a price of doing the right thing.

Subsequently, the CBI officials took my statement and asked for the mobile phone that had the recorded evidence. I consulted a senior IPS officer in the Ministry, who assured me the phone would be sent for forensic examination and returned soon after. That was in 2018. It is now 2025. My phone remains in the custody of the court as evidence. Though the CBI officials were courteous and professional, they couldn’t help due to the procedural labyrinth.

When I once asked for its return, an officer kindly offered to replace it with a new one. I had to decline. My concern was not the phone itself, but the sentiment attached as it was a gift from my husband.

Over the years, I have given statements in three different places, including before an Under Secretary who conducted an internal inquiry. Each time I hoped for progress, but the case kept moving slowly “It depends on the court.”

After I moved back to Odisha in 2023, I was summoned twice to Delhi for witness and cross-examination. That time, curiosity was there in administrative circles about why I was called to the CBI court. I had to clarify that I wasn’t accused; I was a witness! But such is the social cost of standing up. I attended the court with a lot of preparation. The court was respectful, but the defense strategy was clear: to cast doubt, to delay, to deny. Efforts are made to argue that the voice I heard was not that of the ASO.

The judicial process is rigorous and rightly so, since it must protect the innocent. But in reality, technicalities often delay justice for years. Even when evidence is strong, disciplinary cases in government drag endlessly. For the accused, the stakes are high. A proven corruption charge could end a career that might otherwise reach the highest levels of bureaucracy. Hence, every effort is made to prolong or deflect the case.

As of today, my case is still open. My phone remains seized. The accused continues to serve in Government and I continue to hope that the case will see closure before I retire. If it extends beyond that, the costs of pursuing it will come from my own pocket. But even then, I will not regret filing it.

The Larger Lesson is to simplify the system. This experience has reaffirmed my belief that corruption thrives where Government procedures are made opaque and complex. As it is famously said that Corruption is equal to Monopoly plus Discretion minus Accountability.

(Corruption = Monopoly + Discretion – Accountability)

If we want to improve governance and promote ease of doing business, we must reduce monopoly, minimize discretion, and strengthen accountability. Vigilance is not just the duty of a department, it is the shared responsibility of every citizen and every officer who believes in the power of integrity. Yes, I filed the case and I will continue to pursue it; not just for justice, but for the system to become better than it was yesterday.

(Writer is a Senior Administrative Service Officer. Views are personal)



Integrity Pledge for Vigilance Awareness Week : 27 Oct - 2 Nov, 2025



Tuesday, 28 October 2025

Clarification regarding eligibility for payment of gratuity under NPS on resignation

Clarification regarding eligibility for payment of gratuity to the Central Government Servant under Central Civil Services (Payment of Gratuity under National Pension System) Rules, 2021 on resignation.

Click here to view download PDF 

Settlement of Family Pension between two wives of a Government Servant or Pensioner

Settlement of Family Pension between two wives of a Government Servant or Pensioner under Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 reg.


Guidelines for referring the cases to Deptt. of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW)

Guidelines for referring the cases to Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DoPPW) for advice / clarification / consultation.



Clarification regarding enhanced rate of Family pension: Death after Retirement


Cabinet approves Terms of Reference of 8th Central Pay Commission

The Union cabinet approved the Terms of Reference (ToR) of 8th Pay Commission
  • Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas Secretary Pankaj Jain as the member-secretary of the Commission 
In January, the Cabinet approved setting up the 8th Pay Commission to revise salaries of of central government employees and allowances of pensionersThe pay commission is usually constituted by Centre every 10 years to revise the remuneration of government employees. The 7th Pay Commission was constituted in February 2014 and its recommendations were implemented from January 1, 2016. The 8th Pay Commission will make its recommendations within 18 months of the date of its constitution and the due for its implementation is January 1, 2026.

 CABINET 

Cabinet approves Terms of Reference of 8th Central Pay Commission

Posted On: 28 OCT 2025 3:03PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today approved the Terms of Reference of 8th Central Pay Commission.

The 8th Central Pay Commission will be a temporary body. The Commission will comprise of one Chairperson; One Member (Part Time) and one Member-Secretary.  It will make its recommendations within 18 months of the date of its constitution. It may consider, if necessary, sending interim reports on any of the matters as and when the recommendations are finalized. While making the recommendations the Commission will keep in view the followings:

i.   The economic conditions in the country and the need for fiscal prudence;

ii. The need to ensure that adequate resources are available for developmental expenditure and welfare measures;

iii. The unfunded cost of non-contributory pension schemes;

iv. The likely impact of the recommendations on the finances of the State Governments which usually adopt the recommendations with some modifications; and

v. The prevailing emolument structure, benefits and working conditions available to employees of Central Public Sector Undertakings and private sector.

Background:

The Central Pay Commissions are periodically constituted to go into various issues of emoluments structure, retirement benefits and other service conditions of Central Government employees and to make recommendations on the changes required thereon. Usually, the recommendations of the pay commissions are implemented after a gap of every ten years. Going by this trend, the effect of the 8th Central Pay Commission recommendations would normally be expected from 01.01.2026.

The Government had announced formation of the 8th Central Pay Commission in January, 2025 to examine and recommend changes in the Salaries and other benefits of Central Government employees.

***

MJPS (Release ID: 2183289)

Source: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2183290

Tentative Gradation List of OSS officers for the year 2025

Odisha Secretariat Service (OSS) Cadre
(Tentative Gradation List for the year 2025)

Monday, 27 October 2025

Cyclone "MONTHA" : Closure of School & Anganwadi Centers

In view of the heavy rainfall warning issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the influence of Cyclone Montha, the Khordha district administration has declared a two-day holiday for all schools and Anganwadi centres
Similarly, Department of School & Mass Education has declared three days closure of School and Anganwadi Centers in eight districts likely to be affected.

Ganjam, Gajapati, Koraput, Rayagada, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Kalahandi, Kandhamal : Close on 28, 29, 30 October 

KhurdaClose on 28, 29 October 




Sunday, 26 October 2025

Cabinet decision: Dt.25.10.2025

The Odisha Cabinet convened its 29th meeting on October 25, 2025, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan MajhiA total of five proposals from four key departments were thoroughly discussed and unanimously approved. (Click here for PRESS BRIEF)

Proposal 1 : H&UD Department 
Approval of scheme "Aahaar" with enhancement of cost of each meal from ₹23 to ₹27 keeping the beneficiary contribution at ₹5.

Proposal 2 H&UD Department 
Procurement of 200 midi Electric Buses for Keonjhar, Baripada, Berhampur, Angul, Jharsuguda, Sambalpur.

Proposal 3 : F&ARD Department 
Implementation of Sub-scheme "Small Animal Development" under main scheme "Prani Sampad Samrudhi Yojana"

Proposal 4Commerce & Transport (T) Department 
An Umbrella Scheme "B-MAAN" (Building and Management of Aviation Assets & Network) for aviation sector

Proposal 5 Agriculture & FE Department

Cyclone updates : National Bulletin

The depression over southeast Bay of Bengal moved nearly west-northwestwards with a speed of 10 kmph during past 6 hours and lay centred at 1730 hrs IST of today, the 25th October 2025, over the same region, near latitude 10.9°N & longitude 88.1°E, about 510 km west-southwest of Port Blair (Andaman & Nicobar Islands), 890 km east-southeast of Chennai (Tamil Nadu), 920 km southeast of Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), 920 km southeast of Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh) and 1000 km south-southeast of Gopalpur (Odisha). 
It is likely to move nearly west-northwestwards, intensify into a deep depression by 26th and into a cyclonic storm over southwest & adjoining westcentral Bay of Bengal by 27th morning. Thereafter it is likely to move northwestwards, then north-northwestwards and intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by morning of 28th October. Continuing to move north-northwestwards, it is very likely to cross Andhra Pradesh coast between Machilipatnam and Kalingapatnam around Kakinada during evening/night of 28th October as a severe cyclonic storm with a maximum sustained wind speed of 90-100 kmph gusting to 110 kmph. (Click here for Bulletin 19 Dt.25.10.2025)


Friday, 24 October 2025

No extension of time for the submission of the property statement for the year 2024.

Subject: Final decision regarding the submission of Annual Property Statement for the year 2024 and for the upcoming years

It has come to the notice of the Government that a significant number of employees failed to submit their Annual Property Statement for the year 2024 through the HRMS portal by the prescribed deadline. Various requests for the extension of the deadline were received and have been carefully examined by the Government at the highest level.

After due consideration of all factors, and in the interest of maintaining'long-term administrative discipline, it has been decided that no extension of time will be granted for the submission of the property statement for the year 2024. The online HRMS portal will not be reopened for this purpose.

It is hereby reiterated that the timely submission of the Annual Property Statement is a mandatory pre-condition for consideration for promotion. Therefore, employees who have failed to submit their statements for the year 2024 are not eligible for consideration for promotion in any Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) meeting where the said statement is a requirement, until they achieve compliance in the subsequent year.

All Departments are directed to strictly adhere to these instructions and ensure that the cases of non-compliant employees are not placed before any DPC for consideration for promotion. The firrh decision of the Government that beginning with the property statement for the year 2025 (due for submission in2026 from 1't January to 31't January) and in forthcoming years, the prescribed deadline will be strictly enforced.

It is requested to ensure that these instructions are communicated ln the strictest terms to every employee under your administrative control. lt shall be the personal responsibility of the Heads of Department to ensure 100o/o compliance within the prescribed timeline.

Government look forward to your full cooperation in upholding discipline and ensuring transparency in the Government.

 Order No 1525 Dt.23.10.2025

Submission of salary bills in treasury

 


29666 Dt.24.10.2025