Efficiency & Discipline

A 3 hours workshop on Efficiency & Discipline was conducted for participants of 47^th MCMC on August 11, 2026. The workshop focused on Civil Servants (Efficiency and Discipline) Rules, 1973 & 2020, Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026, and procedural and legal requirements governing disciplinary proceedings in public sector. The guest speaker explained different stages of disciplinary proceedings, including calling for explanation, preliminary fact-finding, framing of charges, issuance of an Order of Inquiry, conduct of inquiry, preparation of inquiry report, show cause notice and final decision by competent authority. Particular emphasis was placed on principles of due process and proper legal drafting, and common procedural lapses that may result in disciplinary cases failing judicial scrutiny. The participants were also apprised of roles and responsibilities of Authority, Inquiry Officer and Departmental Representative and importance of properly recording and evaluating evidence during inquiry proceedings. The workshop further highlighted important features of E&D Rules 2020 and changes from earlier 1973 Rules, including timelines for inquiries and institutional arrangements for disciplinary proceedings. Salient provisions of the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules, 2026 relating to conflict of interest, declaration of assets, outside employment, use of social media and standards of conduct for civil servants were also discussed. A brief hands-on group exercise was conducted to provide participants an opportunity to apply E&D Rules to a practical case and develop a better understanding of disciplinary proceedings. The workshop ended with an interactive discussion and clarification of participants' queries. The session concluded with a standing ovation to esteemed speaker by faculty and participants.