Acceptance of invitations to declare open buildings, etc

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION (SC) DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR No. 138-Sc/82/GA(SC). Dated, Trivandrum, 6th December; 1982. Sub:—Public Servants—Acceptance of invitations to declare open buildings, etc—Instructions issued. A question has arisen whether it would be in consonance with the spirit of the Conduct Rules for Public Servants to accept invitations to declare buildings, etc., open or to lay the foundation stones of new buildings or to allow buildings, roads, bridges, parks or public institutions such as Hospitals, Schools or Colleges to be named afler them. In respect of All India Service Officers, the Government of India have decided that it would not only be against the spirit of Rule 12 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 for members of the service to act in the manner set forth above, but it would be inappropriate and inconsistent with the rules of detached impartiality expected of them and that it would generally have an unwholesome effect. The Government of India have also decided that while it is possible that there may be occasions when members may have to participate in such functions, which have a cultural or sociological significance. Especially in remote areas, they should as far as possible refrain from associating themselves with such functions. 2. Rule 11 of the KCrala Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1960 contains provisions similar to those in Rule 12 of the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 imposing certain restrictions in regard to accepting or taking part in public demonstrations in honour of Government Servants and as such the decision conveyed by the Government of India referred to above is relevant in respect of officers of the State Government as well. The Government have decided to adopt the above decision of the Government of India in respect of the officers of the State Goverment, and they order accordingly. 1411 In all public functions particularly those arranged under the auspices of Government Departments/Undertakings in which Government servants participate, it should be ensured that the local MLA and MP is accorded a due place of importance whether to preside over the function or to speak. In unavoidable circumstances however, the officers may welcome the guests or read out a progress report or thank the gathering or be one of the speakers at such functions. The important point to be borne in mind by Government Servants at a public functions is to play quiet role consistent with the traditions of the services. All Officers are requested to observe these orders scrupulously. In cases of doubt, the officers are advised to take prior permission of their superior officers. R. GOPALA5WAMY, Chief Secretary to Government.