MARGAO
In a move aimed at providing unhindered access to public services and streamlining administration, South Goa District Collector, Egna Cletus, IAS, has done away with notices imposing restrictions on public services at all subordinate offices.
Taking strong cognisance of a notice board displayed at a subordinate office, which imposed restrictions on public access and services, the Collector has issued a circular directing all officers of subordinate offices and section heads of the South Goa Collectorate to strictly ensure that no restrictive public notice, circular, or instruction intended for restrictions in public service is issued or placed in the office premises without the prior written approval of the competent authority.
Sources pointed out that the Collector took note of a notice board displayed at a subordinate office informing members of the public that the mutation clerk would be available from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Upon an inquiry, the Collector ascertained that the notice was issued and displayed without obtaining the requisite approval from the competent authority. “Such unilateral action is unauthorised and contrary to established administrative procedures,” the Collector asserted.
In fact, the Collector has stated in the circular that all officers shall take due care to verify the authenticity, accuracy, and legality of any public communication before it is displayed or circulated. Any act of issuing unauthorised notices will be viewed as a serious lapse in duty and may attract disciplinary action under relevant service rules, the Collector warned.
Insisting that compliance with the directive is mandatory, the Collector has cautioned that any deviation will be dealt with strictly.
