Chennai, May 21 (IANS) Ever since Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay assumed office, his strict adherence to punctuality has begun reshaping the work culture at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat, with several government departments introducing tighter attendance norms and reinforcing office discipline among employees.

According to officials, Vijay has been maintaining a consistent work schedule since taking charge, arriving at the Secretariat between 9.45 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekdays and generally remaining in the office until around 4.30 p.m. or 5 p.m. after completing official engagements.

The Chief Minister’s routine has reportedly prompted administrative departments to initiate measures aimed at ensuring officials and staff members are present and functioning before the start of the working day.

Among the first departments to formalise these directions was the Food and Civil Supplies Department. In an office order issued by Additional Chief Secretary P.B. Saravanakumar, employees were instructed to report to duty on or before 9.50 a.m., while office assistants were directed to be present by 9.30 a.m. The order also laid down detailed attendance procedures.

Under Secretaries were asked to close attendance registers and submit attendance summaries to the office proceedings section before 10 a.m., enabling the data to be consolidated and forwarded to the Additional Chief Secretary’s office.

The circular warned that disciplinary action would be initiated against employees who failed to comply with the revised instructions.

Sources within the Secretariat said similar directives are now being issued by other departments as part of a broader effort to improve punctuality and administrative efficiency.

However, the changes have also sparked concerns among some employees regarding commuting difficulties. Several Secretariat staff members travelling through the Kamarajar Salai and Marina stretch said traffic restrictions imposed during the Chief Minister’s convoy movement were causing delays during peak office hours.

Officials noted that the Chief Minister’s convoy generally passes through the Marina Road area between 9.30 a.m. and 9.45 a.m., coinciding with the reporting time of many employees. Some Secretariat employees pointed out that previous Chief Ministers, including M. Karunanidhi, J. Jayalalithaa and M.K. Stalin, generally arrived later in the morning, making commuting relatively easier. The administration, however, views the new emphasis on punctuality as part of a wider push to improve governance and workplace discipline.

–IANS

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