Reel controversy: No punitive action against employees, minister praises LSGD employees for working even on Sunday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: No punitive action will be taken against the employees for filming Instagram reels in a government office, which turned controversial after it surfaced online. Minister MB Rajesh said that the concerned officials have been instructed not to take any disciplinary action against the employees for filming the reel during overtime work on Sunday, which is a holiday.

After the incident, explanation was sought from the district head of Local Self-Government Department and municipal secretary. The employees came to the office on a holiday as per the instructions of the district collector to work as part of disaster relief in connection with monsoon-inflicted crisis. The minister said that it is also clear that the reel was shot without affecting the office operations.

"All creative and cultural activities of the employees are fully supported by the government. But all this should be done without affecting official performance, without causing inconvenience to the public and without violating service rules. The government has already decided not to organize any festive programs in the offices during working hours," the minister said.

The minister also appreciated the employees of the local self-government institutions who are ready to serve even on Sundays.

After the reels shot at the Thiruvalla Municipal Council office became controversial, the employees had given an explanation. According to the explanation given to the senior superintendent, the video was shot on a Sunday. The employees' also pointed out that the reels were taken during the lunch break in the afternoon.