Rewa (Madhya Pradesh), April 29 (IANS) In a strong push to enforce discipline and accountability, Rewa district Collector Narendra Kumar Suryavanshi on Wednesday carried out a surprise inspection at the district Panchayat office, exposing widespread late attendance and absenteeism among officials and staff.

The Collector reached the office at around 10.05 a.m. and found it nearly empty, with only four employees present. As the inspection progressed, more than two dozen staff members were seen arriving late and were stopped at the office gate.

Taking serious note of the situation, Suryavanshi directed senior officials to record the names of all latecomers and initiate disciplinary proceedings against those absent without valid reasons.

Expressing strong displeasure over what he described as a habitual problem, the Collector said, “You people completely disregard government regulations; you have developed a habit of arriving late over the years. It takes you barely 10 to 15 minutes to commute from your homes to the office.”

While adopting a strict tone, he granted a one-time relief to the employees, making it clear that such leniency would not be extended again.

“Since this is the first time, I am excusing you all without taking any punitive action; otherwise, I would have docked a day’s salary from each of you,” he said, warning that repeated violations would attract strict penalties, including salary cuts and disciplinary action.

Highlighting the importance of punctuality and responsibility in public service, Suryavanshi added, “If you cannot even manage to reach the office by 10.30 a.m., then what is the point of holding this job? The government provides adequate weekly leave, yet you arrive late and leave early. Such behaviour sets a wrong example and affects the overall work culture.”

Officials told IANS that the inspection is part of a broader effort to address growing concerns over indiscipline and absenteeism, which have been affecting governance and the implementation of key welfare schemes in the district.

The issue came into focus following a review meeting where several Project Officers and Assistant Project Officers failed to attend. Their absence disrupted a detailed assessment of ongoing programmes, including MGNREGA and other rural development schemes, raising questions over monitoring and accountability.

Following this, the Collector issued written directions to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Zila Panchayat, mandating that no officer should leave headquarters without prior permission.

The directive applies to all officials associated with the district panchayat and rural development departments.

“Any deviation will invite appropriate action as per rules,” the order stated, underlining a zero-tolerance approach towards negligence.

According to officials, repeated instances of officers remaining away from headquarters without prior notification have weakened monitoring mechanisms and delayed effective implementation of government schemes at the grassroots level.

The Collector’s decisive action is being seen as an attempt to restore discipline, ensure regular attendance, and strengthen administrative efficiency, with a clear message that laxity in public service will not be tolerated.

–IANS

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