Delhi: PWD asks engineers not to use political pressure for postings

The Public Works Department (PWD) has issued a stern advisory to its engineers, warning them against seeking political or external influence in matters related to their service, particularly transfers and postings.

The circular draws attention to Rule 20 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which prohibits any government servant from bringing or attempting to bring political or outside pressure to further their personal interests in service matters.

Public Works Department officials said the directive follows recent instances where some officers allegedly tried to secure favourable postings by approaching political or external authorities.

The circular read, “Recently, some instances have come to notice where service officers have violated the above mentioned provisions and attempted to bring political and other outside influence to further their interests in respect of service matters, especially regarding their transfer/postings.”

All executive engineers (EE), assistant engineers (AE) and junior engineers (JE) have been advised to refrain from such attempts and instead route their grievances through their controlling officers or the appropriate authority.

The circular further read, “In case of any violation, strict disciplinary action will be initiated against the officers concerned. In case of any grievance relating to service matter, they may represent/approach controlling officer or appropriate authority as deemed fit.”

The circular, issued with the approval of the Engineer-in-Chief, makes clear that any violation will be dealt with firmly under disciplinary rules.