Odisha Revenue Officers to Be Evaluated by AI; No Promotions Without Performance

Odisha Revenue Officers to Be Evaluated by AI; No Promotions Without Performance

In a significant policy shift, Odisha’s Revenue and Disaster Management Department has announced that promotions for revenue officers will now be strictly based on performance and public feedback, with no room for lobbying or influence.

During a workshop for registration officers held on Saturday, Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh made it clear that an AI-driven rating system will be used to evaluate officers. "Every officer will be rated from 1 to 5 based on measurable outcomes. This score will determine your promotion," he said.

These AI-generated performance ratings, combined with citizen feedback, will now be integrated into Confidential Character Reports (CCRs) and serve as the key criteria for career progression. Officers who receive consistently low ratings may see their promotions withheld.

Addressing Malpractices & Public Complaints

Singh pointed out a concerning gap between officers’ perceptions of their work and public feedback. "Many officers believe they are doing well, but citizens frequently report delays, negligence, and unresponsiveness," he noted.

He also criticized unethical practices in some registration offices, where complaints suggest work is delayed unless bribes are paid or officials are chased from desk to desk.

Urging immediate reforms, Singh called on officers to report on time, address grievances sincerely, and act as responsible public service providers. He emphasized the need for better institutional ethics and a shift from bureaucratic gatekeeping to citizen-first service delivery.