Seek CM's approval before going on leave, Delhi government asks top officers

The Delhi government has told its top officers not to go on leave without prior permission, and has directed them to seek approval from the chief minister and the ministers concerned for any kind of leave. The move follows concerns that existing instructions are not being followed.In an order issued on Wednesday, Secretary (Services) Nandini Paliwal said the issue had been viewed seriously by the chief minister. The Services Department has asked senior officers to comply strictly with the leave rules and warned that any violation may invite action.According to previous orders issued by the government, the competent authority, the Lt Governor, had directed that all additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and heads of departments must give prior intimation to the chief minister and the minister in charge of their department before proceeding on leave of any kind, including casual leave.The Services Department has now repeated those directions and said a copy of every leave application of officers of the rank of head of department and above will be endorsed to the Secretary to the Chief Minister. The order said non-compliance with the instructions would be adversely viewed and could lead to action against the officer concerned. Officials said officers going on leave without formally informing their superiors in advance has been a "chronic" problem, and that instructions on the issue have been issued regularly.They said the government once again asking top officers to fall in line and follow the proper procedure reflected the seriousness of the matter. Last year, the office of cabinet minister Ashish Sood had issued instructions to officers of the Home, Education, Higher Education, Urban Development and Power departments to seek leave through WhatsApp.Those officers were found to be proceeding on leave without prior information, or informing through WhatsApp only on the day of their absence.In sum, the Delhi government has reiterated that senior officers must take prior approval and properly inform the chief minister and the ministers concerned before going on any leave, warning that failure to follow the process could result in action.- Ends