Bhubaneswar: In view of the statewide bandh called by the Odisha Congress tomorrow, the state government directed all officials and employees in Bhubaneswar to reach their offices before 9:30 AM as a precautionary measure.

In a letter issued to all Secretaries, R.K. Sharma, Special Secretary of the Home Department, instructed officers and staff working in key government buildings—Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavela Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, Krushi Bhawan, and the Heads of Departments Building—must report before the stipulated time to ensure smooth entry and avoid disruption.
The advisory was issued in anticipation of possible law and order issues during the 12-hour bandh, which begins at 6 AM on July 17.

As part of security arrangements, the front gate of Lok Seva Bhawan will be closed at 9:30 AM, and entry will be regulated through the rear gate. The connecting gate between the Red Building and the main Lok Seva Bhawan will remain open, the letter added.

Security checks will be intensified, with verification of identity cards and passes for both employees and visitors. Vehicles with car passes will only be allowed entry if authorised.

Entry passes will be issued only to individuals with prior appointments and urgent official work, based on the concerned department’s recommendation and with approval from the Special Secretary of the Home Department.

The Odisha Congress called for the bandh in protest against the alleged harassment of Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old student of Fakir Mohan Autonomous College in Balasore, who attempted self-immolation on July 12 and later died from severe burn injuries at AIIMS Bhubaneswar on July 14.

The Congress demanded the resignation of the state’s Education Minister, the local MLA, and the MP, accusing them of failing in their responsibilities toward the victim and her family.