The Ministry of Law has taken a strict stance against irregularities in office attendance, warning officials and employees of disciplinary action for late arrival, unauthorised absence, or leaving office early without permission.
In an office order issued on Monday, the Law and Justice Division of the ministry cited the ‘Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019’, declaring absence without permission, late attendance and early departure as punishable offences.
According to the order, all officials and employees must be present in their respective offices by 9:00am on working days. No one will be allowed to leave before the end of official hours.
During the month of Ramadan, officials and employees are prohibited from leaving office before 3:30pm, while after Ramadan, departure before 5:00pm will not be permitted.
The directive said officials and employees must obtain prior permission from the head of the concerned sub-division—Joint Secretary or Solicitor—if they need to leave the office for official or urgent reasons.
Besides, it has been made mandatory to record departures in the office leaving register and ensure digital attendance in accordance with the ‘Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019’.
The order further warned that any violation of these rules will result in disciplinary action under the ‘Government Employees (Regular Attendance) Rules, 2019’ and the ‘Government Employees (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 2018’.