The General Administration Department (GAD) of Bihar on Thursday issued fresh guidelines that permit disciplinary action against government employees for irregularities committed during their tenure on contract or while working through outsourcing arrangements. The move aims to strengthen accountability and enforce stricter disciplinary norms within the state's civil services.
Key Provisions of the Guidelines
Under existing practice, many individuals initially recruited on contract or via outsourcing are later regularised as government employees. The new guidelines make it clear that such regularisation will not shield them from action for past misconduct. GAD Additional Chief Secretary B Rajender stated, "This is an important step to fix accountability and make disciplinary norms more robust. Conversion from contractual status will not be an obstacle in taking action for irregularities committed earlier."
Legal Basis and Implementation
As per the guidelines, if charges of irregularity are proved and fall under punishable offences, action will be taken against the employees concerned under relevant disciplinary rules framed in 2005. The department clarified that several such cases had come to light, raising doubts about whether action could be initiated after regularisation. To address this issue, the GAD sought legal opinion through the law department from the Advocate General (AG), who confirmed that government employees can be held accountable for misconduct committed while serving in a contractual capacity.
Impact on Transparency and Accountability
Officials said the move is being seen as a key step towards enhancing transparency, discipline and accountability within government services. The guidelines send a clear message that irregularities at any stage of service will not be overlooked, and those found guilty will face action regardless of their employment status at the time of the offence. This decision is expected to deter misconduct and ensure that contractual and outsourced staff adhere to the same standards of behaviour as regular employees.
