Restrictions For Public And Journalists Lifted At Three Government Buildings

Restrictions For Public And Journalists Lifted At Three Government Buildings

The Government of Odisha had restricted access to public and journalists at major government offices in 2020 because of the COVID 19 pandemic. Now, after almost two years, the Odisha government on Tuesday decided to lift the restrictions on entry to Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharavel Bhawan and Rajiv Bhawan from April 18.

The reception counter of these offices will become fully functional, allowing people to lodge their grievances and for other official work in the Secretariat, a notification issued by the Home Department said. The decision was taken in view of the improving COVID 19 situation in the state.

People will now be able to apply online for passes through http://epravesh.odisha.gov.in or mobile app (ePravesh). Only accredited journalists will be allowed to enter the Secretariat, it added. Special Secretary P C Pradhan wrote only accredited will be allowed to enter into the Secretariat from April 18. 

A government notice read, “Keeping in view of the recent pandemic situation and relaxation of COVID 19 related restrictions, the government is pleased to inform that the reception counter at the Loka Seva Bhawan, Kharavel Bhawan and Rajiv Bhawan will be made fully functional from April 18, 2022, allowing the general public for their grievances and other official work in the Secretariat.”

Public entry to the Lok Seva Bhawan (The Secretariat), its three annexes -Kharavel Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, and Krushi Bhawan – was banned on July 2, 2020, as a precautionary measure to prevent the spread of COVID 19 in the Odisha capital.