The Odisha government has directed state departments and district administrations to strengthen security and maintain essential services ahead of a 12-hour statewide bandh scheduled for October 8, with restrictions and demonstrations expected across the state from 6 AM to 6 PM.
The bandh has been called by a coalition of political parties, including the Congress, CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML) Liberation, Forward Bloc, NCP and Samajwadi Party. The protesting organisations have announced plans for road blockades, rallies, picketing and “Rail Roko” actions, along with attempts to close mines, government offices, educational institutions, markets and commercial establishments.
In response, the Home (Special Section) Department issued an official communication to Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Commissioner-cum-Secretaries and Special Secretaries across the state. The notice was signed by Sri Soumendra Patra, OSD-cum-Additional Secretary to Government.
The communication sets out movement and access guidelines for key government establishments in Bhubaneswar, including Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan and the Heads of Department Building. Officers and employees working at these administrative centres have been advised to reach their offices by 9:30 AM to facilitate entry and support the functioning of government departments.
The government’s instructions cover both access control and preventive security arrangements. The Home Department has asked District Magistrates and Collectors across Odisha to take comprehensive precautionary measures within their jurisdictions. District administrations have also been directed to maintain close watch over local conditions, uphold law and order and prevent untoward incidents during the shutdown.
The directives extend beyond the state secretariat and government offices. District authorities have been told to ensure the smooth functioning of Central and State Government offices and to keep essential services unaffected during the bandh. The instructions come as the announced protests are expected to involve public spaces, roads, railway movement and commercial areas across Odisha.
The bandh is scheduled to remain in force for 12 hours on October 8. The Home Department’s communication places responsibility for local preventive action and service continuity on district administrations, while providing specific entry guidance for employees of the state’s principal administrative buildings.
