Telangana govt tightens rules for staff; announces suspension for prolonged absence

The Telangana government has amended service rules to enforce strict disciplinary action against prolonged absenteeism among employees. As per the new provisions, staff absent without authorisation for one year or away from duty for five years, even with leave, will be deemed suspended.

Hyderabad: In a decision that is set to trigger unrest among government employees, the State government has issued orders amending certain service rules and enforcing strict action, including suspension from service, for violation of the rules.

As per the amended rules, any government employee who remains absent from duty without authorisation for a period of one year shall be deemed suspended from service.

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Similarly, a government employee who remains away from duty for a continuous period of five years, with or without leave, will also be deemed suspended from service.

Continuous continuation on foreign service beyond the period approved by the State government will also attract similar action.

However, the government employee concerned will be served a show-cause notice to explain the reasons for absence from duty or continuation on foreign service. The employee’s reply will be considered before invoking the above provisions.

Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao issued the orders to this effect on Friday.