The Sikkim government has issued a fresh warning to all state government employees against using political or external influence to secure personal benefits related to service matters. The directive reinforces long-standing rules meant to ensure transparency and fairness in public service. The circular, issued by the Department of Personnel on July 15, was signed by Chief Secretary R. Telang and serves as a direct reminder of Rule 21 under the Sikkim Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1981. This rule explicitly bars government employees from seeking political or other forms of external influence to advance their personal interests in areas such as promotions, postings, transfers, or disciplinary cases.
Despite previous reminders—most notably Order No. 118/G/DOP dated April 21, 1995—the state government has observed a disturbing trend of repeated violations.“The Government has viewed this matter very seriously,” the circular notes. It warns that strict disciplinary action will now be taken against any employee found to be breaching the rule, in accordance with the Sikkim Government Servants’ (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1985.
The Chief Secretary emphasized that all service-related requests must follow proper administrative procedures, moving through official channels within the relevant departments. Employees attempting to bypass the system by approaching political leaders, influential persons, or any other external body will face consequences.“This is not only a violation of service conduct but also undermines the credibility and impartiality of the administrative system,” a senior official in the Secretariat said. “The objective is to bring discipline and restore public trust in the way government matters are handled.”