It is praiseworthy that government has recognised the malaise in the functioning of its staff by resorting to extraordinary steps. It is hoped that it is not a gimmick to provide new employment at a premium. There is a system of annual confidential reports of employees by heads of department, which should form undisputed basis of any disciplinary action, including forced termination or voluntary retirement. Accordingly the employee is to be cautioned, disciplinary action recommended, withholding of annual increments before the final drastic steps. If such a process is being followed, identification and action is just a normal procedural formality. The employee has the right to defend any adverse remarks which must be communicated in writing for time bound explanations. How does the authority suddenly come to the conclusion of non-functioning of staff without proof of documentation? It is wise to introduce compulsory periodic evaluation which can form the basis for such drastic action that may lead to litigation of arbitrary process that will be contested fiercely by employees organisation, grinding the process to a halt.
