Patna: Strict adherence to codified rules and procedures is essential in disciplinary proceedings against government servants, and decisions cannot be based on “common sense” or individual interpretation, a senior official said on Tuesday.
Deepak Kumar Singh, Director General-cum-Chief Inquiry Commissioner, made the remarks while addressing Block Agriculture Officers at an orientation programme organised by the Directorate of the Chief Inquiry Commissioner under the General Administration Department at the Revenue Survey Training Institute in Patna.
Rule-Based Inquiry Emphasised
Singh said inquiry officers and presenting officers must rely only on established legal frameworks, official procedures and applicable rules while handling disciplinary cases.
He stressed that personal judgement or conventional reasoning has no role in such proceedings and that strict compliance with prescribed norms is mandatory at every stage.
Importance of Legal Awareness Among Officers
The Chief Inquiry Commissioner said that knowledge of service rules is essential not only for conducting inquiries but also for safeguarding oneself if ever subjected to disciplinary action.
He added that respect in service comes not from position or pay scale but from understanding and application of rules.
Officials were also advised to thoroughly study the handbook issued by the General Administration Department, which contains provisions of the Bihar Government Servants Classification, Control and Appeal (CCA) Rules, 2005, along with constitutional references, master circulars and procedural checklists.
Training on Disciplinary Process
Earlier, Joint Secretary Prabhat Kumar delivered the welcome address and said the training would be useful for both professional conduct and job security of officers.
Trainers Satish Tiwari and Shaligram Pandey explained the step-by-step process of disciplinary proceedings, including complaint receipt, framing of charges, examination of evidence and witnesses, and presentation of the government’s case by presenting officers.
They also discussed precautions related to financial dealings and acceptance of gifts in official capacity.
Several senior officials from the Directorate were present during the programme.
