In a strict move to enforce digital governance, the Uttar Pradesh government has started cutting salaries of officials who refuse to use the e-Office system. Chief Secretary SP Goyal issued this directive after expressing strong displeasure at the low adoption rates among departments.
Strict Measures to Boost e-Office Usage
At a recent meeting with senior officials, Chief Secretary SP Goyal made it clear that the e-Office system will now be a mandatory part of the annual confidential reports for all chief development officers. This step aims to ensure full implementation across offices.
Infrastructure and Compliance Orders
Goyal emphasized that every office must arrange necessary infrastructure for e-Office or upgrade existing systems. He stated that salaries of officers and employees not regularly using e-Office should be withheld. For those who have never logged in, salary releases will be stopped entirely.
Additionally, the Chief Secretary set a one-month deadline for connecting all tehsils to the e-Office platform. This push follows a letter from the principal secretary to the chief minister, which directed all heads of departments, divisional commissioners, and district magistrates to strictly use the system.
Background and CM's Intervention
The e-Office system, developed by the National Informatics Centre, has been gradually implemented in government offices since 2018. However, last year it was discovered that barely 50% of officers and staff were using it.
This issue was brought before Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who then ordered strict action to enforce usage. The system brings file and document management online, aiming to streamline administrative processes.
Enforcement Through Accountability
By linking e-Office usage to performance reviews and salary disbursements, the government hopes to overcome resistance and ensure widespread adoption. Officials are now under pressure to comply or face financial and career consequences.
