Reputation regarding honesty

(1) Integrity of officers appointed to responsible posts – Reputation regarding honesty

In para 7 of Chapter VI of the First Five Year Plan, the Planning Commission have observed that no officer who does not have a reputation for honesty should be placed in a position in which there is considerable scope for discretion. The Government of India fully agree with this observation. While there is no intention that an officer should be penalized or condemned merely on hearsay evidence, it is necessary that all recommending authorities should, before recommending officers for responsible posts where there is considerable scope for discretion, take into account all relevant factors regarding their integrity and reputation for honesty and impartiality. This is, of course, not an entirely new principle and it has always been expected that the authorities concerned with posting and promotions should observe it in the ordinary course. In view, however, of the importance which both public opinion and Government attach to the maintenance of a high standard of integrity by Government servants, the Ministry of Finance etc. are requested to bring this principle specifically to the notice of such authorities under them.

[MHA OM No. 41/2/55(II)-Ests.(A), dated 23.04.1955]