New Delhi: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has formally warned all its employees to refrain from using political or external influence for resolving service-related matters. This directive comes through an office memorandum issued on Wednesday.
The DoT stated that any reference from Members of Parliament or other dignitaries will be presumed to have been initiated by the employee concerned. Consequently, such actions will be handled in line with government service rules, including potential disciplinary measures.
"It has been observed that some government servants are attempting to influence service-related decisions, particularly transfers and postings, by soliciting political or external support, including through relatives or wards," the memorandum noted. It emphasized that such conduct is a violation of Rule 20 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which explicitly prohibits bringing or attempting to bring political or outside influence in service matters.
The memorandum outlines the consequences of violating Rule 20:
- First-time violation: Formal advice will be issued.
- Second violation: A written warning will be placed on record.
- Further violations: Disciplinary proceedings will be initiated under the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965.
All Indian Telecommunication Service (ITS) officers have been specifically advised not to engage in such practices and to avoid using political contacts—directly or through family—for personal service benefits like transfers or postings.
Employees have been urged to use only the prescribed official channels for seeking redressal in service-related concerns.
The memorandum concluded with a strong note:
"Any instance of violation of these rules/orders would be viewed very seriously and the officers/officials responsible for such violation would attract strict disciplinary action."
"Any instance of violation of these rules/orders would be viewed very seriously and the officers/officials responsible for such violation would attract strict disciplinary action."