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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Govt focus on ‘internal happiness’ -Sobhana K Nair

Govt focus on ‘internal happiness’ -Sobhana K Nair

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published Published on Nov 18, 2014   modified Modified on Nov 18, 2014
-The Telegraph

New Delhi: The capital's babus are feeling wanted. At last, a government seems to care about their "happiness", "satisfaction" and "contribution".

A recent government circular prods civil servants to do voluntary social service for "internal happiness". Another requests each soon-to-retire official to write a 1,000-word paper on his or her "outstanding" contribution - for their own "satisfaction" and to inspire junior colleagues.

They must, however, restrict themselves to personal innovations that led to an improved work culture or increased efficiency.

"Comments which are religious or political in nature or are against the national interest will not be permitted," says the November 4 circular from the department of pension and pensioners' welfare.

Swantah Sukhaya, the nudge for voluntary service outside their usual "structured work", had come on November 1, from the department of personnel and training.

"Swantah sukhaya is a Sanskrit term, meaning swan tah - oneself - and sukhaya, happiness," the circular explained, replicating a 2003 Gujarat government initiative. "This initiative is meant to provide internal happiness and a sense of achievement."

Any employee of whatever rank can pick his own voluntary work and do it with the department's backing - without having to seek his bosses' permission. The government will recognise the best initiatives. A similar scheme - titled Sankalp - has been started for retired employees.

Plus, the government has started monthly, half-a-day, pre-retirement counselling sessions to educate employees about their benefits, the required paperwork and post-retirement job avenues.

"Employees usually spend their last six months completing papers, sometimes utterly confused how to go about it. We'll try to settle their doubts," a senior official said.

Former bureaucrats welcomed the shift in the government's attitude. "The present government gives primacy to bureaucrats. The Prime Minister has been regularly talking to secretaries," former Delhi chief secretary Shailaja Chandra said.

"So, no one can sit in a watertight compartment and ignore a subject because it does not come under their jurisdiction. They are propelled to talk and find a solution."

Former cabinet secretary T.S.R. Subramanian agreed. "In Delhi, there's clearly a change in bureaucrats -there's a gleam in their eyes, a hop in their step. They are willing to take initiatives."

He, however, cautioned: "But remember, the Delhi bureaucracy is just five per cent of the bureaucratic network. I'm not sure if similar changes have come in the states or even the lower levels in Delhi."


The Telegraph, 17 November, 2014, http://www.telegraphindia.com/1141118/jsp/nation/story_19054580.jsp#.VGrfons_-BE


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