Face action if you raise grievances with PM: Govt warns babus

All central government employees, including officials of Army and para military forces, were today warned of "action" if they raise service matters related grievances to the Prime Minister, directly.

Warning employees, the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) said such submission of representations directly to other authorities by-passing the prescribed channel of communication, has to be viewed seriously and appropriate disciplinary action should be taken against those who violate these.

As per these instructions, whenever a government servant wishes to press a claim or to seek redressal of a grievance, the proper course for him is to address his immediate official superior, or head of his office, or such other authority at the appropriate level who is competent to deal with the matter in the organisation. Writing to higher authorities, can rightly be treated as an unbecoming conduct, it said in a directive.

"In spite of these instructions, it has been observed that government servants including officers and officials of para military forces and Army personnel continue to represent directly to the Prime Minister, Minister, Secretary (Personnel) and other higher authorities, directly," the DoPT said.

It is reiterated that the existing instructions may be brought to the notice of all government servants including officials of para military forces and members of armed forces and "action taken against those who violate these instructions", it said.

The forms of communication also include e-mails or raising it through public grievances portal etc, the DoPT said.

The DoPT has also reminded the employees of the government's directive prohibiting them from bringing outside influence in respect of matter pertaining to his service matter. "Representation by relatives of government servant is also treated as outside influence," it said.

There are about 48 lakh central government employees.