The Odisha government has decided to take strict action against government employees who fail to provide maintenance to their wives or children despite court orders, directing that the mandated amount be deducted directly from their salaries and transferred to the beneficiaries’ bank accounts.The move comes after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi reportedly took serious note of repeated complaints from women and children alleging non-payment of maintenance and alimony by government employees.According to available information, two to three such cases were reportedly being raised during almost every grievance hearing attended by the Chief Minister. In several instances, male government employees were allegedly not providing financial support to their wives or children even after courts had ordered them to pay maintenance or divorce-related alimony.Taking a stern view of the matter, the Chief Minister directed the state government to put in place a mechanism to ensure compliance with court orders.Following the directive, the government has issued fresh guidelines for payment of maintenance to eligible women and children.Under the new procedure, once a court order directing payment of maintenance is received, the Drawing and Disbursing Officer (DDO) concerned will deduct the specified amount while preparing the monthly salary bill of the employee.The deducted amount will then be transferred directly through electronic mode to the bank account of the employee’s wife or children, as specified in the court order.The measure is aimed at ensuring that beneficiaries do not have to repeatedly approach authorities for enforcement of maintenance orders and that government employees comply with their legal obligations.
