Better behave, CS tells bureaucrats & govt staff

Hyderabad:
Chief secretary K Ramakrishna Rao
Tuesday sent out two official memos emphasising that officers of the All India Services (AIS), including IAS, IPS, and IFS, as well as other govt employees, must refrain from engaging in conduct unbecoming of public servants in public meetings and gatherings.
Any violations of the relevant service conduct rules will attract disciplinary action, he warned.
In the first memo, the CS highlighted recent instances where AIS officers were seen engaging in 'unseemly behaviour' during official events and public functions. He said such actions not only damage the reputation of the officers involved but also reflect poorly on the govt's image.
Citing Rule 3(1) of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968, the CS reminded officers that they are required to maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and must avoid any behaviour that could be deemed unbecoming of a member of the service.
He stressed that AIS officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and decorum in both their official duties and public interactions, as they serve in roles that directly impact public trust and governance.
The memo warned that any deviation from these expectations would lead to strict disciplinary measures. Copies of the order were sent to all IAS officers, the director general of police (for circulation among IPS officers), and the principal chief conservator of forests (for IFS officers).
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Memo to govt employees
In a separate memo addressed to all govt employees, the CS reiterated similar concerns, quoting Rule 3 of the Telangana Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which mandates that every govt employee must demonstrate devotion to duty, absolute integrity, discipline, impartiality, and propriety in their conduct. It explicitly prohibits behaviour that is unbecoming of a govt employee or derogatory to the prestige of the govt.
The CS cautioned that acts and gestures that violate these norms, especially in public forums, will be taken seriously and invite strict disciplinary action.
Background and context
According to official sources, these memos come in the wake of recent incidents involving AIS officers making public or social media statements on contentious issues, and others engaging in acts and gestures—such as attempting to touch the chief minister's feet during public functions.
Additionally, concerns have been raised about unauthorised sharing of confidential information, prompting the govt to issue a stren warning to prevent further breaches of conduct.
The CS stressed that such behaviour not only undermines the dignity of public service but also erodes public confidence in governance.
Copies of the memo were circulated to all secretariat departments and heads of department, with instructions to ensure that all officers and staff under their control are informed of these directives and are required to strictly adhere to them.

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