Bhubaneswar, Feb. 17 -- Odisha is currently facing severe shortage of Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, pointing to a critical governance issue. This was informed by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Majhi while replying to a question in the Assembly on Monday.

Of the sanctioned 248 IAS positions, 66 are lying vacant with only 182 officers in service. The situation is exacerbated by the fact that 22 IAS officers are currently serving on central deputation. The scenario ofIPS cadre in the state fares no better, with 69 out of 195 sanctioned posts remain unfilled. Furthermore, 10 IPS officers are on central deputation for more than five years.

This data was presented by the Chief Minister in response ...