Violation of conduct rules by bringing Political/outside influence to further interest in service matters
The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) of the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India, has issued a circular addressing all Regional Provident Fund Commissioners and other officials, reminding them of the provisions of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964, which apply to EPF staff and officers. The circular states that instances have been noticed where EPF officers/officials have attempted to bring political or other outside influence to bear upon higher authorities in order to further their interests in service matters, which is a violation of the Conduct Rules. The officials are advised to avoid bringing political or other outside influence and any violation will result in action being taken against them. Discover more details by reading the order below.
EPFO, HEAD OFFICE
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAWAN, 14, BHIKAIJI CAMA PLACE,
NEW DELHI 110066
www.epfindia.gov.in
To,
All ACC(HQ)/ACC Zones/Director (PDNASS)
All Regional PF Commissioners-in-charge of
Regional Offices/Zonal Training Institutes
Regional PF Commissioner (ASD), Head Office
Subject: – Violation of conduct rules by bringing Political/outside influence to further interest in service matters-Reg.
Madam/Sir,
Please refer to this office Circular No. HRM-11/’1-1(1)2022/E-File No. 43510/6963 Dated 19-04-2022 on the above-cited subject and Rule 20 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct)Rules, 1964 which are applicable mutatis mutandis on the EPF Staff and Officers by Virtue of Regulation 18 of EPF (Officers’ & Employees condition of Service) Regulation, 2008 stipulates as under:-
“20. Canvassing o{non-official or other outside influence
No Government servant shall bring or attempt to brizi# any political or other outside influence to bear upon any superior authority to further his interests in respect of matters pertaining to his service under Government.”
2. Instances have come to notice where EPF Officers/Officials are addressing communications, directly or indirectly through their relatives to high authorities. This is in contravention to provision of the CCS (Conduct) Rules 1964 as the Officers/Officials have by-passed the prescribed channel of communication and have attempted to bring political or other outside influence to further their interest in respect of matters pertaining to their service.
3. Therefore, it is again advised to keep in mind the aforesaid provisions and desist from bringing political or any other outside influence. In case of violation, action as deemed fit may be taken against those who violate the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964/Said instructions.
4. The above said instructions may be brought to the notice of all Officials under your jurisdiction for strict compliance of the instructions on the subject.
Yours faithfully
(Uma Mandal)
Addl. Central P.F. Commissioner (HRM)