PANAJI
Unhappy over its employees taking part in campaigns and other protests against government policies, the State government has warned the staff of disciplinary action if their actions amount to “criticism of government”.
In a circular issued by Director (Vigilance) Sanjeev Gauns Dessai stated that a number of government servants have been found getting involved in agitations or campaigns, besides signing of petitions on issues which are against the policies of the government.
“Such conduct of government servants attracts the prohibition/restriction of Rule 9 of Central Civil Service (conduct) Rule 1964.”
“CCS (conduct) Rules 1964 provide the process by which a government servant can express his/her opinion for consideration of the government.”
“Accordingly, it is imperative that all Government servants adhere to the provisions of CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964 scrupulously, as a violation of the same will attract disciplinary action.”
“It is enjoined upon all government servants to stick by above rules and not to get themselves involved in any agitations or campaigns which amount to criticism of government under CCS (conduct) Rules 1964,” the circular adds.
The circular, which has been forwarded to all government departments, offices, corporations and autonomous bodies, is being used as a weapon to clamp down on all those on the government’s payroll who have openly questioned, confronted or challenged the government on its policies by taking part in protests, signing petitions, filing complaints and cases.
It may be recalled that attempts had been made by the previous government in 2012 to bring about a gag order on government servants criticising the government, but the efforts could not materialise.
One such government servant who is likely to be the target of the latest circular is self-styled anti-corruption campaigner and Electricity Department Junior Engineer Kashinath Shetye, who has even drawn the ire of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Parrikar had said in the Assembly in August last year that Shetye “has violated every rule and regulation. In the last five years, he has made 459 applications for leave. I was trying to reconcile them with court appearances. There are 195 court cases he has filed making me wonder when he was working for the government.”
Parrikar had even assured to conduct an inquiry into the alleged violation of CCS Rules by Shetye, while the Anti-Corruption Branch (ACB) would also conduct an inquiry into the disproportionate assets of Shetye.
An undeterred Shetye has claimed that unless there are disciplinary proceedings against him, no promotion can be denied and that there is nothing that bars him from filing PILs.
