Ban on cultural forums and gatherings with good intention

One of the major complaints the public has about government offices is that employees are often not seen in their seats. It is true that e-services have been expanded in such a way that there is no need to visit the offices in person and enquire for information. However, a direct visit is often required for quicker service. Accurate information regarding the right to service is written and displayed in front of the offices. Each application will also contain information on how many days the decision will be taken. However, in most cases, things don't happen as per the information on the notice board. Many government offices are still far behind when it comes to providing accurate and sincere service. Especially in offices where there is more public involvement.

Due to the proliferation of service organisations, it is habitual for employees to stay away from offices during working hours, both authorisedly and unauthorisedly. There are times when employees have to go out for personal needs, organizational matters, or for a variety of needs of colleagues. In addition to this, friendly collectives formed in the interim also affect the smooth functioning of offices. It is in this context that the Administrative Reforms Department issued an order two days ago banning such gatherings. There is an increasing number of department-based collectives and cultural programmes. Since many such gatherings are active in the same office, the absence of these people during working hours affects the functioning of the office. With the increase in the number of unmanned chairs, the public who come for various needs is suffering. With the spread of social media, a community has become possible even if four or five people join. Apart from cultural gatherings, travel and other entertainment events are also part of it. While all this is not wrong, going for all this during working hours can only be considered as a denial of the rights of the people who are waiting for service. While there are protests from some quarters against the order banning the gatherings, it is important to note that it was some employees themselves who raised such a demand.

No one is against communities and gatherings. Employees have all the freedom to do so. However, the problem arises when the working hours are used for it. Government employees are getting enough holidays. Cultural events and friendly gatherings can be turned into holiday events. All those interested in such events will be able to participate with more flexibility in time. Work time will not be wasted in vain this way. Government employees are considered lucky in society today. It is through hard work that every employee gets into service. People expect non-delayed service from government employees who have decent salaries and safe service conditions. Although red tape has become a symbol of the past, it remains in every office with a new look and feel. Departmental associations and cultural communities should not take away the working hours of government offices. That is why the public is welcoming the government order banning such gatherings with open arms. It is not for nothing that the Chief Minister repeatedly reminds that every piece of paper that reaches the employees' table is a life.