The Telangana government has introduced strict timelines to fast-track disciplinary cases against government employees. The move comes after repeated delays in handling such cases, often allowing officials to retire before action is taken.
The new guidelines, issued under Government Order 175, make it clear that preliminary investigations must be completed quickly. If irregularities are found, charges must be framed without delay. The government stressed that cases should not linger and directed that all proceedings should be ideally completed within one year of receiving the enquiry report.
To prevent files from stagnating, officers have been instructed not to hold disciplinary case files for more than three days. When files are sent to ministers, they must be cleared within a week. Senior officials, including secretaries and principal secretaries, have been asked to personally monitor cases to avoid errors and ensure fair action.
The government also warned that inquiring authorities themselves could face disciplinary action if they fail to complete inquiries on time. To ensure accountability, secretaries of departments will review pending inquiries and submit reports on delays to the chief secretary and the chief minister.
A detailed schedule has been laid out. Hearings, document inspections, and witness procedures must be completed within weeks. Regular hearings are to be held on a day-to-day basis. Inquiry reports must be submitted within two weeks after hearings, and disciplinary authorities are expected to act promptly thereafter. Final orders should be issued within two weeks of completing consultations, including with the Vigilance Commission or Public Service Commission, if required.
