Political neutrality and impartiality of Government Servants

PERSONrEL AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS (RULES) DEPARTMENT No:6857/R21951P&ARD. Dated, Thiruvatwnthapuram, 12th May, 1995. CIRCUAR Sub:—Political neutrality and impartiality of Government Servants—Prohibition of fund collections—Instructions issued. It is expected by the Government that all officers and functionaries of the Government who take decisions which affect individuals as well as groups of citizens shall always be guided by principles of equity, justice and fair play. All citizens are entitled to get equal and impartial consideration from the Government-irrespective of their caste, creed, sex, age, social status. and political affiliation. It has come to the notice of the Government that sometimes certain sections of society feel aggrieved that they are not getting full justice from some Government Departments because of the political affiliation of some of the officers of Government or because of the improper interference of politicians in the decision-making process. This is most unfortunate; and this kind of apprehension on the part of the ordinary citizens should be removed at all cost. I. Political neutrality and impartiality The following instructions are issued to the officers and staff of all the Departments of Government for strict compliance. (I) Officers of Government, or Government functionaries, who have a decision making role shall not allow themselves to be guided by political affiliations or ideologies in deciding the issues officially brought before them. It shall be the endeavour of all the Government Servants to ensure that they do not say, or do, anything which may give the impression to the public that they are openly affiliated to one political party of political ideology (whether of the ruling party or of the opposition) and that citizens who do not have the same affiliation or inclination may not get full justice from them. While the officers of Government shall remain fully accessible to the citizens (including political workers) and shall listen carefully to their grievances and representations, the decisions taken by them shall be guided only by rules and regulations, the policy directives issued by the Government and the principles of equity and justice. 3/2431/20 14/S-2 I. 74 As it is expected that Government Servants shall always be impartial (and also appear to be palpably impartial), they are directed to refrain from frequenting of offices of political parties, participating in sectarian political activities or keeping frequent company with politicians except on rare occasions of distress relief activity during natural calamities and such other occasiOns of all-out social actions. All Government functionaries shall keep in mind that if it is found that there is any deviation from rules, procedures, or proprieties in their actions, any explanation to the effect that they have acted on the request or advice of any politician (whether of the ruling party or otherwise) will not absolve them of their guilt or protect them from punitive action. II. Prohibition of fund collections. • (6) It is hereby made clear that it is the definite policy of the Government that officers and other personnel of the Government Departments shall not engage themselves in collection of funds for any non-governmental purpose especially of a political nature. It shall be ensured that no political party makes use of the service (or the influence) of the Officers or staff of the Government departments for raising funds for general elections or by-elections, political demonstrations or party conventions. If it is found that any Government Servant has violated this instruction and indulged in collection of funds for a political party (even if it is the Ruling Party), it will be viewed seriously by the Government and will invite severe disciplinary action. The Government wish to make it clear that Government servants are only servants of the Government and not of any particular rnling party. Therefore they shall not allow themselves to be dominated or guided by workers or leaders of the parties in power. All officers and staff of the Government Departments shall cultivate a neutral and nonpartisan outlook (as well as image) in public affairs and act with strict impartiality in all official transactions. R. RAMACFIANDRAN NAIR, Chief Secretary.