Finance Minister Cheema Cracks Down on Indiscipline, Invokes ‘Deemed Resignation’ to Uphold Accountability
Chandigarh, January 1
In a stern push for discipline within the public sector, the Punjab Government has terminated the services of four Excise and Taxation Department employees under the “deemed resignation” rule, after they ghosted their duties for over a year despite repeated warnings. The move, directed by Finance, Excise and Taxation Minister Harpal Cheema, signals the Mann administration’s iron-fisted zero-tolerance stance on dereliction of duty.
State Tax Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal issued the orders following exhaustive inquiries under Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970. The affected employees—three Excise and Taxation Inspectors and one Clerk—were given ample chances to return or justify their absences but failed to comply, prompting the department to invoke Finance Department guidelines from March 13, 2025. Under these rules, prolonged unauthorized leave exceeding one year equates to voluntary resignation, stripping the individuals of gratuity, pension, or any other service perks.
“This is non-negotiable: Our government has zero tolerance for indiscipline and shirking responsibilities,” Cheema asserted. “Public service demands unwavering commitment—employees who vanish for years, ignoring every notice and opportunity, simply don’t belong in our ranks. We’re laser-focused on delivering a transparent, accountable system that the people of Punjab deserve.”
watch…..“ਸਾਡੇ ਬਜ਼ੁਰਗ ਸਾਡਾ ਮਾਣ” ਮੁਹਿੰਮ 16 ਜਨਵਰੀ ਤੋਂ ਸ਼ੁਰੂ
Spotlight on the Absconders: A Pattern of Neglect
The crackdown targeted chronic no-shows whose excuses crumbled under scrutiny:
- Jalandhar-2 Inspector: AWOL since March 15, 2023, post-rejection of his leave plea. No valid reason provided despite follow-ups.
- Suspended Inspector: Vanished on June 24, 2023, flouting suspension orders and skipping his headquarters without explanation.
- Ropar Range Inspector: Absent since May 29, 2021, after Ex-India leave expired. Cited health woes and heart surgery, but probes revealed zero effort to rejoin—even virtually—for critical investigations.
- Jalandhar Audit Wing Clerk: MIA from September 11, 2023, after his overseas leave bid was denied. Family and medical claims offered, but no return within legal limits.
In each instance, the department emphasized that while personal hardships were considered, the failure to resume duties within stipulated timelines left no room for leniency. Cheema reiterated that such actions safeguard governance integrity, ensuring resources and focus stay on serving Punjab’s citizens rather than chasing absentee bureaucrats.
