Government Servant in Private Job – AG 02.12.2019

Government Servant in Private Job – AG 02.12.2019

In recent times, concerns have arisen regarding the engagement of government servants in private employment alongside their official duties. As per the observations made by the competent authority, it has been noted that some government employees have sought private business opportunities or additional employment in contravention of Rule 16 of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964. This rule explicitly states that “no Government Servant shall, except with the previous sanction of the Government, engage in any trade or undertake any employment or work, other than his official duties.” The Accountant General, acting as the competent authority, has issued a directive to ensure strict adherence to this rule.

Understanding Rule 16 of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964

Rule 16 of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964 is designed to maintain the integrity and impartiality of government employees. The rule prohibits government servants from engaging in any trade, employment, or private work without obtaining prior permission from the government. This regulation is put in place to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure that government servants are dedicated to their official responsibilities without any external distractions or biases.

Reasons for Compliance

1. Maintaining Integrity: Government servants are entrusted with significant responsibilities that require full attention and impartiality. Engaging in private business or additional employment can lead to conflicts of interest, where personal financial gains may influence official decisions.
2. Preventing Conflicts of Interest: When government employees are involved in private business or consultancy, there is a risk that their official duties may be compromised. The government’s commitment to ensuring that officials act solely in the public interest is supported by these regulations.
3. Ensuring Efficiency: Government roles are demanding and require a significant amount of time and focus. Allowing government servants to engage in private employment could dilute their efficiency and commitment to their official duties, affecting overall productivity and service quality.
4. Upholding Public Trust: The public expects government employees to act with integrity and dedication. Engaging in unauthorized private business can erode public trust in government institutions, undermining their credibility and effectiveness.

Key Directives from the Accountant General

In light of the identified issues and to reinforce compliance, the Accountant General has issued the following directives:

1. Strict Adherence to Rule 16: All employees of the office are required to comply strictly with Rule 16. This includes refraining from engaging in any form of private business or additional employment unless prior approval is obtained from the government.
2. Prior Sanction Required: Government servants must seek and obtain prior sanction from the relevant government authority before taking on any private work. This sanction ensures that the proposed activity does not conflict with their official duties or create potential conflicts of interest.
3. Reporting and Accountability: Any government servant who is currently engaged in private business or additional employment without prior sanction must immediately report this to their respective authorities. Failure to disclose such engagements could result in disciplinary action.
4. Disciplinary Action for Non-Compliance: The Accountant General has emphasized that non-compliance with these directives will lead to disciplinary actions as per existing rules. This measure aims to ensure that all government servants adhere to the prescribed conduct rules and maintain the integrity of their official roles.

Steps to Ensure Compliance

1. Awareness and Training: Government employees should be regularly informed about the rules and regulations governing their conduct. Training sessions and informational materials can help in understanding the importance of adhering to these rules.
2. Clear Reporting Channels: Establishing clear channels for reporting any private business engagements or additional employment will help in ensuring transparency and accountability.
3. Monitoring and Audits: Regular monitoring and audits can help identify any discrepancies or violations of the conduct rules. This proactive approach can prevent non-compliance and address issues before they escalate.
4. Encouraging Transparency: Government servants should be encouraged to disclose any potential conflicts of interest or external engagements. Transparency in this regard helps in maintaining the integrity of their official duties.
5. Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive environment where employees can seek advice and clarification about their conduct and permissible activities will promote compliance and ethical behavior.

Conclusion

The directive issued by the Accountant General underscores the importance of adhering to Rule 16 of the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964. By ensuring that government employees do not engage in private business or additional employment without proper authorization, the integrity and efficiency of government operations can be preserved. Compliance with these regulations is essential for maintaining public trust, preventing conflicts of interest, and ensuring that government servants focus on their official duties. Government employees are urged to adhere to these guidelines and seek necessary permissions when considering additional work or business activities. The commitment to following these rules not only enhances individual accountability but also upholds the standards of public service.