Telangana: Chief Secretary issues stern warning to AIS officers over public conduct

Invokes Rule 3(1) of AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which mandates officers to maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and avoid actions that compromise the image of the service

Hyderabad: Chief Secretary K Ramakrishna Rao has issued a strong directive to all All India Services (AIS) officers in Telangana, cautioning them against behaviour deemed unbecoming of their position in public meetings and gatherings. The memo is believed to have been issued in the wake of a controversial incident where a senior IAS officer was seen touching the feet of Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy during a recent public meeting.

Citing repeated instances of “acts and gestures unbecoming of a Member of the Service”, the Chief Secretary emphasised that such conduct not only reflects poorly on the dignity of the service but also affects public faith in the individual’s ability to serve. He invoked Rule 3(1) of the AIS (Conduct) Rules, 1968, which mandates officers to maintain absolute integrity and devotion to duty and avoid actions that compromise the image of the service.

“All India Services officers shall refrain from indulging in acts and gestures which are unbecoming of a Member of the Service in public meetings and gatherings,” the memo stated, warning that any violation of these instructions would attract disciplinary action.

The Chief Secretary also directed DGP Jithendra to communicate the instructions to all IPS officers in the State. Officers across services have been reminded of their responsibility to uphold a high level of professionalism, integrity and decorum, both in their official and public interactions to uphold trust and confidence of the public.