Kochi: In an attempt to stop the government employees from skipping Independence Day and Republic Day celebrations, the state has issued a circular making participation obligatory. The state also has asked every department to ensure participation of its employees.
General administration secretary K.R. Jyothilal issued the circular on November 5 making it mandatory for all government, public sector enterprises, state’s autonomous bodies, universities, schools, colleges and local self-government institutions staff to participate in the celebrations.
The order came in the wake of recent High Court observations that the state should ensure government servants attending Independence day celebrations at any place.
State earlier took a stand that though the staff were instructed to attend, it is not mandatory. With the order, those skipping ceremonies would be liable to show cause.
The court had criticized the state that no action had been taken against the employees who failed to participate in the celebrations.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Ashok Bhushan and Justice A M Shaffique observed that the government was not compelling the employees to take part in the celebrations.
Late Adv Basil Attipetty moved the court seeking the government to ensure that its employees are participating in these celebrations.
The HC registrar general had earlier issued a circular asking all the HC staff to attend the celebrations.
Download the all new Deccan Chronicle app for Android and iOS to stay up-to-date with latest headlines and news stories in politics, entertainment, sports, technology, business and much more from India and around the world.
