Following the sensational corporate espionage case in Union Petroleum Ministry, Arvind Kejriwal Government has initiated concerted action to stop any possibility of leaking confidential documents from its departments. A specific circular has been issued to all Principal Secretaries and Secretaries to stop leakage of documents to unauthorised officials.
According to circular issued by General Administrative Department (GAD), every employee should be sensitised regarding security of official information and document and it will have to take precautions to ensure safety and security of confidential documents.
In this regard, attention is drawn to the provisions of the All India Service Conduct Rules applicable to all Government employees. There is feeling in the Government that espionage/leaks may take place at departments like PWD, Trade and Taxes department, Urban Development, Transport and Health. These departments considered as prime departments in the national Capital.
“A strict vigil is to be kept on all visitors and they are not to be left alone,” the guidelines said. Besides, all office documents should be kept in safe custody. Anything suspicious must be reported immediately to senior officers. In this context, it is necessary to ensure that secret/confidential documents of the departments are properly secured so that outsiders and unauthorised officials do not have access to these documents. All departments should take necessary action in this regard.
“Confidentiality of secret files and documents — including that of Budget paper — is a matter of concern and utmost importance,” the circular said. It is also emphasised that keys to rooms of bureaucrats are not easily accessible and files are not left on the table while offices are closed but are instead put under lock and key in steel almirahs.
According to sources, there is also thought in the Government to ensure a dedicated area for both Press and outsiders so that junior officials can come and meet their visitors rather than entertain them in their offices and senior officers can take a call on this on a case-to-case basis. “Access control measures must be improved and strengthened and interaction with visitors is to be streamlined,” said the sources.
Meanwhile, several senior officials expressed concerned over the presence large number of volunteers in Government departments. “The AAP volunteers have accessed of all documents pertaining to policy and financial matter”, said a senior official on the condition of anonymity.
A senior official said that AAP volunteers’ presence at the Players’ Building is major threat as they start interfering during the meeting and tried to seek the information. A recent espionage case in the Union Petroleum Ministry has forced the Government to ensure stricter vetting of staff at sensitive Ministries and an audit of computers.