In order to ensure regular presence of government employees in their respective offices, the government has decided on a new policy called ‘Government Officials (Regular Presence) Policy- 2019’. The policy is a revision of the earlier Public Employees Discipline (Punctual Attendance) Ordinance, 1982 which was cancelled.
According to the new policy, in every government office, there will be an attendance register and everyone has to sign, and the register will be sent to the respective high officials 15 minutes prior to the start of office. As an alternative to the existing system, digital attendance system can also be introduced. In that case, to ensure attendance, office chief or other officers can be appointed here.
The policy further states that without prior permission no one can go on leave or remain absent in office. But unauthorized leave can be approved, if registered doctor certifies sudden illness or accident. The policy is a brave new step by the government to ensure development of the country.
Low employee turnout at government offices is a hindrance to efficiency. Often due to absent employees, the assigned work is left incomplete leading to the sufferings of many.
Civil servants are held in high esteem in our country and thousands covet their positions. However, as the saying goes, ‘with great power comes great responsibility.’ It seems that our government employees have not been taking their jobs seriously.
Any negligence on the part of the government employees leads to a breakdown of the system of their respective offices. As a result people are deprived of the services and assistance that is owed to them by the government offices.
The government’s new policy is a praiseworthy initiative. One can only hope that it will reduce the amount of time wasted at government offices and improve their efficiency. The policy must be strictly enforced and government employees who neglect their duties must be penalized accordingly.
