Drinking at workplace

It is good to hear that with immediate effect, all Kerala government employees, including teaching and non-teaching staff in educational institutions, would face disciplinary action if they are found smoking, drunk or using intoxicants during office hours. The order also warns senior officials who are authorized to take action that they too would be penalized if they do not act against erring officials.

The handicap of this order lies in the penalization of senior official. The senior officials are often feared off union might and in almost all cases the union leader is the immediate superior officer. No sensible office authority will question the union-association leaders coming to the office in an inebriated state. This means the circular of the Government will remain as circular itself.

If implemented this order sternly the month of March would become month of punishment as all retirement functions are held in March and all such functions are celebrated with liquors

K A Solaman

Published by the Hindu Business Line on 27 March 2015