Staff Reporter :
The Finance Division of the Ministry of Finance has issued a 12-page Code of Conduct for employees of the country’s non-financial public institutions, explicitly prohibiting them from accepting gifts or benefits in exchange for services.
According to the notification government officials and employees are prohibited from engaging in any activity that directly or indirectly benefits themselves or their family members. They must not accept undue advantages from service recipients.
Additionally, they cannot accept gifts or valuables from service recipients without prior approval from their institution.
A list of permissible gifts and benefits, along with corresponding records, must be maintained by the relevant institution.
Officials must manage personal and institutional travel responsibly and comply with government regulations regarding shares, securities, and financial assets.
Employees are prohibited from engaging in businesses that conflict with their institution’s interests or from establishing business relationships for personal gain.
Holding any part-time or full-time paid or unpaid employment outside their government role is also strictly forbidden.
Officials are required to respect all religions while maintaining equal sensitivity toward people of different faiths. They must uphold equality and dignity, regardless of race, religion, gender, or caste.
Workplace environments must remain free from harassment, discrimination, or discomfort for both employees and service recipients.
Service recipients must be allowed to express their satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the services provided.
Government procurement processes must be transparent and competitive, ensuring no loopholes for favouritism or nepotism.
No foreign loans or commitments involving foreign currency can be undertaken without prior approval from the Finance Division.
Employees must not be absent or leave their workplace without prior authorisation from higher authorities. They are also prohibited from working as agents for insurance companies.
However, the Code of Conduct does not specify the consequences for violations, leaving disciplinary actions unclear.
