Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

A precedent set

Sir, — Though all of us have concern for the Tamil Nadu Government employees and their families, the decision of the Chief Minister and the State Government to enforce discipline in the administration is a bold one. A precedent has been set for public sector units and Government employees in other States.

The employees' attitude is untenable. Many spend most of the time outside the office without bothering about responsibility, which no private sector firm would have tolerated. They enjoy a five-day week and some go on long leave to look after their own business. Their demands evoked no sympathy among the ordinary public. This is the right opportunity for the Government to identify efficient employees and retain them. It should also bring in a system to evaluate the efficiency and performance of the employees, similar to the performance appraisal done by private firms, every year or once in two years.

S. Jayachandran,
Chennai

Sir, — To punish the erring staff, there are so many legally accepted procedures. Instead of taking recourse to them, the Government wielded the sword taking advantage of TESMA and the court came to the Government's rescue. This may be taken as a precedent by the private sector too.

Citing globalisation, several public enterprises and private concerns are showing the door to their employees through retrenchment, though they call it VRS. It is sad to read that over 35 to 50 per cent surplus staff in Government departments may not be reinducted. While it is the duty of a Government to find ways and means of providing employment opportunities, the Tamil Nadu Government is resorting to harsh measures against its employees. The Government should not punish them through sacking.

V. Pandy,
Tuticorin, T.N.

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