NEW DELHI: Government servants, including officers of paramilitary forces and Army will face disciplinary action if they raise service matters related grievances directly with the Prime Minister and the minister concerned. Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) in an Office Memorandum issued on Monday warned that such submission directly to such authorities by-passing the prescribed channel of communication, has to be viewed seriously and appropriate disciplinary action should be taken against those who violate this instruction.
The DoPT has asked the babus to seek redressal of grievances from immediate superior officer or head of the department instead of writing to the Prime Minister. “In spite of these instructions, it has been observed that government servants, including officers of paramilitary forces and Army personnel continue to represent directly to Prime Minister, minister, Secretary (personnel) and other higher authorities, directly...A government servant wishes to press a claim or to seek redressal of a grievance, the proper course for him is to address his immediate official superior, or head of his office, or such other authority at the appropriate level who is competent to deal with the matter in the organisation,” DoPT instructions said.
An official on the condition of anonymity said that PMO was flooded with grievances from babus but as per the laid down norms, all grievances has to be dealt with the authority in the department. “It had to re-direct all communication to the department concerned except in certain cases related to the probe where PMO intervention was required. In 2013, a similar directive was issued by the government but that did not stop them from by-passing the channel of communication,” the official added.
The OM pointed out that writing grievances directly to the Prime Minister be treated as an unbecoming conduct attracting the provisions of Rule 3 (1) (iii) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. It is clarified that this would include all forms of communication, including through emails or public grievances portal etc.
The government also warned while mentioning the provisions of conduct rule, prohibiting babus from bringing outside influence in respect of matters pertaining to his service matter. Representation by relatives of government servant is also treated as outside influence.