Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Reaffirms Zero-Tolerance Policy Toward Indiscipline
The Punjab government has taken decisive action against four public employees for prolonged absence from duty, invoking a deemed resignation clause that automatically severs employment after one year of unauthorized leave. State Tax Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal issued the termination orders against three Excise and Taxation Inspectors and one clerk, all of whom will lose their positions without any terminal benefits.
Government’s Stand on Accountability
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to maintaining discipline within the administration. “Our government has a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and negligence of duty,” Cheema stated. “There is no place in the administration for employees who have been absent from duty without authorization for years.”
The terminations mark a significant step in enforcing administrative accountability, with the government signalling that extended absenteeism will not be tolerated regardless of circumstances.
Cases Under Review
The four termination cases span different regions across Punjab, each representing serious breaches of duty protocols.
Jalandhar-2 Inspector: One inspector has been absent from his post since March 15, 2023, following the rejection of his leave application by higher authorities. Despite the passage of nearly three years, the employee failed to report for duty or seek any official resolution to his status.
Second Inspector: Another inspector from the same department remained absent since June 24, 2023. Even after being placed under suspension, he provided neither a satisfactory explanation nor any formal communication with his designated headquarters.
Rupnagar Inspector: An inspector from the Rupnagar range has been absent since May 29, 2021—more than four years—after his sanctioned ex-India leave expired. Though the employee claimed health complications and underwent heart surgery, an independent inquiry held him accountable for neglecting his official duties. Notably, he failed to participate in the inquiry proceedings, even when offered virtual participation options.
Jalandhar Clerk: A clerk from the Jalandhar Audit Wing lost his position after remaining absent since September 11, 2023, following the rejection of his request for ex-India leave.
Policy Framework
The terminations were executed under the deemed resignation clause, as per Finance Department instructions issued on March 13, 2025. This policy automatically classifies any employee absent without approved leave for more than one year as having resigned from government service. The measure provides a clear, objective standard for addressing prolonged absenteeism.
By invoking this clause, the Excise and Taxation Department and the Finance Department have established a precedent for swift action against employees who breach fundamental obligations to their posts and the public they serve.
No Benefits Granted
A significant aspect of these terminations is the complete forfeiture of terminal benefits. The affected employees will receive no gratuity, pension contributions, or other retirement benefits normally due upon separation from service—a stringent consequence intended to reinforce the seriousness of the offense.
The action reflects the government’s broader agenda to strengthen administrative efficiency and restore public confidence in Punjab’s civil service system.
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