Delhi Govt employees’ body backs EC on SIR, asks Opposition to apologise for questioning staff integrity

The Delhi Government Employees Welfare Association has asked political parties and other organisations to publicly apologise to government officials and employees working on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. It says their integrity has been questioned without evidence. The appeal was made in a press release dated October 13. The association also expressed support for the Election Commission of India and the Chief Election Commissioner. It urged that the integrity, impartiality and professional dignity of the officials and employees involved in the SIR be protected. It said they are public servants appointed by the government and remain honest and dutiful towards the people.

The body voiced concern over allegations made by representatives of political parties and other organisations about the SIR. These include claims that the names of eligible voters were removed from the voter list arbitrarily and that the process lacks transparency. The association said every genuine complaint should be examined on the basis of facts, records and the prescribed legal procedure. No allegation, it said, should be treated as established fact before an inquiry.

The association pointed to the role of government staff in the SIR. In the field work, it said, Electoral Registration Officers, Assistant Electoral Registration Officers, Booth Level Officers, Booth Level Supervisors and other officials and employees posted from various departments play an important part. All of them verify voter details and carry out other election-related duties under the guidelines set by the Election Commission.

According to the association, questioning the collective honesty, integrity and impartiality of government staff without adequate evidence is hurting their morale and dignity. It said that if irregularity is proved in a specific case, action should be taken as per rules. But such an allegation against the integrity of employees in Delhi and other states is not justified, it said.

The association appealed to leaders of Opposition parties to place proof of their allegations before the competent authorities. It said their public statements have badly hurt the collective reputation and integrity of government officials and employees. It therefore asked all Opposition parties and other organisations to apologise publicly to all government employees.

The body also proposed a series of democratic programmes in support of the dignity and integrity of government staff. These include a candle march or peaceful march from the Delhi Secretariat to Rajghat and the submission of a memorandum to the competent authorities.

The association said all such events would be held peacefully and in a disciplined manner, in line with the required permissions and applicable legal provisions. The association made it clear that it does not oppose the examination of any genuine complaint. Its aim, it said, is to protect the reputation of all government employees who perform their duties honestly.

It stressed that it wants impartial inquiry and evidence-based accountability.

It appealed to all Opposition parties and the concerned parties of other organisations to respect democratic institutions and maintain responsible public dialogue. It also asked them to help keep up the morale and dignity of all officials and employees engaged in election work.