Work culture in Govt offices changing fast, employees on toes  

SDMs empowered to supervise, check all development works, attendance
By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken many steps during the past two years to ensure that work culture improves in the government offices.
An official while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Things have changed. People don’t take their jobs casually anymore. They are aware of the fact that they are being monitored and they can’t keep anything pending for long.”
He said, “In the recent past many steps have been taken to ensure that employees attend their duties regularly and they don’t shriek work.”
In a related development the government on Thursday “empowered” Sub Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to supervise and check all developmental works and attendance of employees in all the offices within their respective jurisdictions in Jammu and Kashmir.  “In continuation of the instructions issued on the subject from time to time, it is hereby ordered that the Sub Divisional Magistrates shall be empowered to supervise all developmental works and to check attendance of employees in all Government offices within their respective jurisdictions,” reads a government order.
“The reports thereof, shall however be submitted to the concerned Deputy Commissioners for further action,” the order added.
“Introduction of the concept of e-governance has made everyone accountable. The details of pending cases or files are accessible on finger tips. No work can be delayed without any significant reason,” said a source.
He said that after a long time, officials are seen reaching offices on time as the strict monitoring is at place to check the timings of the employees reaching the office. “One the main reasons for the change in the attitude of employees is the amendment in service rules,” the source added.
It’s in place to mention here that last year the J&K government amended Article 226 (2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations for a provision to retire at any time any government servant in the public interest after he has completed 22 years of service or attained 48 years of age.
To identify deadwood in the administration, a notification issued by the government has also provided a time schedule, saying an exercise to review performance will be initiated for each government servant after completion of 22 years of service or attaining 48 years of age and any time subsequently as may be required.
The source said, “The government amending the service rules has proved to be a game changer. Employees have realized that they cannot take their jobs for granted and if they don’t deliver they can end up losing their jobs.”

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