Some government employees are very much dedicated to public service, and I salute them from the heart. But some are so rude that they are ineligible for their posts. Recently, I visited a new Awal Karkun in the Mapusa Deputy Collector’s office; he is a tall and handsome fellow who explains things to the public with patience, reflecting his good nature.
The idea that government servants should work in a manner commensurate with their compensation is rooted in the principle that they are public servants, duly compensated for their services through the public exchequer. Their salaries and benefits are provided in exchange for an expected standard of integrity, dedication, and service to the public.
The foundation of public service is that an official is a trustee of public faith, where personal interest must yield to the public good. Government servants are expected to maintain the highest standards of honesty, fairness, and impartiality in discharging their duties. They are accountable for their actions and performance, often through mechanisms like the Annual Performance Assessment Report (APAR), which evaluates achievements against set targets.
While the user’s statement suggests a direct, private-sector-style link between the immediate “quantity” of work and pay, government compensation systems are typically salary-based, structured around established pay scales for specific positions. The rules aim to ensure all employees in similar roles are compensated equitably, irrespective of individual wealth or background, adhering to democratic principles.
Performance management is handled through conduct rules and appraisal systems, which can lead to disciplinary action (including “no work, no pay” policies for unauthorised absence or strikes) rather than a direct hourly performance-based pay adjustment.
Ultimately, the expectation is that the comprehensive pay and benefits government servants receive obligate them to provide dedicated, efficient, and ethical service to the public. CM Pramod Sawant recently emphasised the role of government servants; they must adhere to it. In fact, they should proactively serve the public.
