The Labour Department of the Delhi government has initiated a major crackdown following the discovery of widespread absenteeism among its staff during official working hours. Senior officials found that many employees were frequently missing from their desks and unresponsive on official communication channels, severely hampering the department's ability to serve the public.
Public Service Hampered by Unavailable Staff
According to officials, the department has been receiving numerous complaints from workers and employers who sought assistance but found no one available to help them. "There have been instances where people came for help related to wages or grievances, but employees were not available during office hours," a senior official revealed. This consistent unavailability has been adversely affecting the core functioning of the department, which is tasked with resolving critical labour disputes and ensuring welfare.
Strict Instructions Issued to Enforce Discipline
In response to this serious lapse, the department has issued a circular with strict compliance instructions to all its branches and district offices. The directive mandates that all staff must remain present and work diligently throughout official office hours. It places the responsibility squarely on the shoulders of branch and district in-charges, making them accountable for ensuring their offices remain open and fully accessible to the public during working hours.
Disciplinary Action Under CCS Rules Threatened
The department's warning is unequivocal. It has clarified that any lapse or failure to comply with these directives will invite formal disciplinary proceedings under the Central Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1965. The circular also stressed the importance of effective communication, instructing that all official contact numbers and websites must remain functional and be monitored regularly to address public queries promptly.
This move highlights the administration's attempt to curb indiscipline and improve governance at the grassroots level, where direct interaction with citizens occurs. The enforcement of accountability on mid-level officers is seen as a key step to ensure that services meant for workers and employers are delivered without unnecessary hurdles.
