Odisha mandates automatic salary deductions for government employees defaulting on alimony

BHUBANESWAR: The Odisha government on Sunday issued an order mandating automatic deduction of alimony payments from the salaries of its employees who default on maintenance obligations to their estranged wives and children despite clear court directives.

Officials said the order, applicable to only govt employees, is aimed at ensuring timely financial support and dignity for distressed beneficiaries. “Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered strict enforcement of court‑mandated alimony and maintenance payments by government employees. Defaulted amounts will now be deducted directly from monthly salaries and transferred to the bank accounts of the estranged wives or children concerned,” Majhi’s office said in a statement.

The order followed repeated complaints from women in distress reaching the chief minister’s office. “Several male employees failed to provide maintenance grants or alimony even after divorce, ignoring explicit court instructions. On average, two to three such complaints are received during the CM’s grievance hearings,” the statement noted.

The CMO added: “Despite repeated judicial directives, many women and children were left without financial support. The chief minister has taken a stern stance against government employees who defy court orders and neglect their families.” Majhi himself underscored the moral dimension of the directive. “It is unacceptable for government employees to act unjustly towards their spouses and children while drawing salaries from the state exchequer,” he said.

Following the order, the government issued detailed guidelines. Once a court order is received, the departmental drawing and disbursement officer (DDO) will deduct the specified amount from the employee’s salary bill and transfer it electronically to the beneficiaries. The CM has further directed that such cases be integrated into the state’s centralized human resource management system (HRMS) to ensure automated compliance and eliminate delays. Officials said they will track such errant husbands from complaints received by victims.

Legal experts welcomed the initiative. “Salary deductions will ensure that court orders are not reduced to mere paperwork,” said senior advocate Pramod Mishra. Women’s rights activists also hailed the decision. “For years, women have struggled to enforce maintenance orders. This mechanism will bring relief and dignity to many households,” said activist Sunita Patnaik.

She added: “By linking alimony enforcement to the HRMS system, the government hopes to prevent harassment of affected women and children. The move will not only uphold judicial authority but also ease the distress of families who often face prolonged battles for rightful support.”