‘No work No pay’ for absentees

Expressing serious concern over poor attendance of employees in offices, State government has mooted formulating strategy to restore moral ethics and strengthening the current system including strict enforcement of the principle of ‘No work No pay.’
The issue was discussed at the bi-monthly AHoDs & HoDs meeting held on January 29 at the Secretariat Conference Hall, Kohima, which was convened under co-chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, CJ Ponraj, and the Principal Secretary and Home Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar.
Discussing on poor attendance and absenteeism of employees in offices, opinions and views were expressed regarding the issue wherein the members rued that circular, notification and orders were rendered ineffective on several occasions. The house also felt that bio-metric attendance system introduced in some directorates were also not successful completely.
Taking serious note of the issue, the house was unanimous for concrete measures and to strengthening of the current system including strict enforcement of the principle of ‘No Work No Pay’.
In regard to the issue, Chief Secretary CJ Ponraj said it was not only a day to day problem but also a structural problem which needed a holistic approach and suggested change in attitude and mindset towards work. Expressing serious note on o the issue, the chief secretary remarked, ‘We are to continue to struggle, habit is not easy to change and correcting image is a serious issue.’
He has suggested introducing regulating system to be implemented in toto in order to deliver quantum services. The Chief Secretary further urged the Heads of Departments to give extra effort to bring things into proper shape and encouraged them by saying, ‘We can make a start’.
On traffic management, the Chief Secretary said regulation and responsibility rests with the police. He also said every Department has to go through the Finance, Planning and Law Departments before signing MOU and MOA. He said departments should have consultation with the concerned departments in accordance with the laid down rules adding that no department should do it in its departmental level alone.
The Principal Secretary and Home Commissioner, Pankaj Kumar, on the issue of absenteeism, suggested formulating strategy in order to restore moral ethics and added that effort should be given to do away with the deterrent present form. He also informed about the power pending bills which would be reviewed by March 2015.
For MOU and MOA, the Home Commissioner said that consultations should be done as clearance is needed for protection. He also reiterated that the departments which have not done the requisition of filling up vacancies to NPSC should review the position of the respective departments and comply without further delay.
The house also discussed setting up of fixed pay employees’ welfare fund wherein the members suggested for voluntary financial contribution of nominal amounts etc. which would be taken care of by the Secretariat Management Board.
On traffic management at the State Capital, Kohima, the house suggested reviving the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority Kohima (UMTAK).