Chennai, May 21: Since taking office, Chief Minister Vijay’s strict adherence to punctuality has begun to transform the working culture of the Tamil Nadu Secretariat.
According to officials, the Chief Minister consistently follows a set schedule, arriving at the Secretariat between 9:45 and 10:00 AM on weekdays. He typically leaves the office after completing official duties, around 4:30 to 5:00 PM.
This routine has prompted administrative departments to ensure that officials and staff are present and active before the start of the workday.
The Food and Civil Supplies Department was among the first to formally issue such directives. An office order from Additional Chief Secretary P.B. Sarvan Kumar instructs staff to report for duty by 9:50 AM, while office assistants are required to be present by 9:30 AM. The order also outlines a detailed process for recording attendance.
Under these new guidelines, undersecretaries have been directed to close the attendance register and submit a summary to the office section before 10:00 AM for compilation and forwarding to the Additional Chief Secretary’s office.
The order warns that failure to comply with these new rules will result in disciplinary action.
Sources within the Secretariat indicate that similar directives are being issued across other departments as part of a broader effort to improve administrative efficiency and punctuality.
However, some employees have expressed concerns regarding these changes. Many report facing traffic jams and delays due to the Chief Minister’s convoy during morning commutes, particularly for those traveling through Kamarajar Salai and Marina areas.
Reports suggest that the Chief Minister’s convoy typically passes through the Marina Road area between 9:30 and 9:45 AM, coinciding with many employees’ arrival times.
Some staff have noted that previous Chief Ministers, including Karunanidhi, Jayalalithaa, and Stalin, generally arrived later, making commutes relatively easier.
Nonetheless, the administration views this new emphasis on punctuality as a significant step toward governance reform and enhancing workplace discipline.
–
Leave a Comment