Team Herald

PANJIM: The working style of government employees is now under the scanner of Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who has given them eight days to improve their ‘conduct’, failing which action will be initiated. 

Within a week of taking over the reins, the government appears to be serious in improving punctuality in the offices. 

The Chief Minister is keeping vigil on employees coming late or indulging in wrong practices. “We are aware that some government servants are lethargic. I am giving seven to eight days to those indulging in such acts to correct themselves,” Parrikar told media persons. 

“I am giving that much time (7-8 days) not more than that. After that action will be taken,” he added, stating that anyone found coming late to office, or not at the desk during office hours or indulging in wrong practices, would face action. 

Parrikar, known to have instilled discipline and strict behavior among staff, during his earlier tenure in 2012-14, had paid several surprise visits to various departments, wherein he had found employees not being punctual, which had forced employees to change their conduct and had ensured punctuality. 

As per sources, the Chief Minister’s Office may issue a circular, asking employees to come in time to office and be available to public during office hours, failing which disciplinary action could be taken. “Chief Minister is very particular in this regard. Here, the targets are habitual late attendees,” sources said.  The Chief Minister is expected to make some surprise visits to various departments soon. 

On Tuesday, WRD Minister Vinod Palyekar on Tuesday paid a surprise visit to his head office, where he found employees napping and some not present. 

Two Junior engineers, one LDC and a work assistant, were issued a memo by the Minister, after ther were found to be absent from duty without prior permission. 

The employees have been asked to explain their absence during office hours.