Y Patton along with DC and SP Wokha, LSU President and executive team during the surprise inspection conducted at Wokha Government offices on July 9. (Photo Courtesy: X)
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‘Neglect of duty cannot be tolerated’ – Dy CM Patton
Wokha, July 9 (MExN): “The level of absenteeism found is deeply concerning and completely unacceptable. Government offices exist to serve the public and such neglect of duty cannot be tolerated,” Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister, Yanthungo Patton stated on Wednesday.
In a firm push for administrative discipline and workplace accountability, Patton conducted surprise inspections across several government departments in Wokha on July 9, reinforcing the state's commitment to its ‘No Work, No Pay’ policy.
An update from the DIPR stated that the inspection began at the Department of Transport, Wokha, where the Deputy CM reviewed attendance registers and conducted physical verification of staff presence. Out of 20 employees listed, only six were present, while 14 were found absent without prior sanction. The Dy CM immediately ordered salary deductions for the absentees and directed that their names be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner for further action, stated the DIPR report.
He also verified whether those marked present were actually at their workstations. Employees who were found missing despite being marked as present was deemed absent and salary deductions were similarly ordered.
At Department of Agriculture, nine out of 47 staff members were absent. Similar disciplinary measures were enforced, including same-day salary deductions for unauthorized absences. At Department of Water Resources, eight of the 31 employees were found absent.
During his visits, Patton reiterated the importance of punctuality, proper leave procedures, and consistent attendance as fundamental responsibilities of public servants.
“All employees are expected to attend office regularly. Leave must be officially applied for and approved in advance,” he stated. He further warned that more unannounced inspections will be carried out in the coming months to ensure strict compliance.
In addition to enforcing accountability, the Dy CM also took time to listen to departmental grievances and operational challenges, assuring officials that necessary follow-up actions would be initiated.
Following the inspection, Patton posted on his X account reiterating commitment to ensure greater accountability, transparency, and better service delivery in all departments and further, urging all government employees to perform their duties sincerely in the interest of the people.
“Meanwhile, I was informed that absentees identified during the earlier inspections had their salary deducted. This follows the “no work, no pay” policy,” he added.
