Got punched, so work-to-rule at Kerala Secretariat

THIRUVANANTHAPRUAM: With punching being made mandatory for the staff of secretariat, several employees are now confining themselves to duty hours.

The Opposition UDF led service associations claimed that even those employees who used to sit beyond their work hours have started leaving at 5.15 pm. They have decided to insist on additional allowance/special allowance  and overtime for working beyond seven hours especially during Assembly sessions and in the wake of any emergency.

However, a senior officer rejected their claim saying that it was all about attitude and responsibility towards one’s work. “Those who are coming out with such claims may be shirking their responsibilities even in the past. It could be due to lack of commitment or  competence. No responsible employee would say no just because an assignment has come to him after routine duty hours,” he said.

Sources in GAD said the secretaries have so far not received any major complaint from sections about officials shirking duties. While admitting that there were many teething problems in the punching system, they claim that the overall attendance rate had improved in the secretariat.

The officials said once the attendance system gets stabilised, the focus will shift on improving out put and efficiency. The people seeking services from various departments will soon be able to experience a marked difference in public delivery system.