Strict adherence to Rule 20 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 regarding restriction on outside influence in service matters particularly Transfer/ posting – reg (English)

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No. A-22/13/1/AGT/2026-E.I Dated: 26-12-2025 CIRCULAR Subject: Strict adherence to Rule 20 of CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 regarding restriction on outside influence in service matters particularly Transfer/ posting – reg. It has come to the notice of the Competent Authority that some Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ officers of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) are attempting to bring political or other outside influence in service-related matters, particularly in cases of Transfer/Posting. In this regard, attention is invited to Rule 20 of the CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which stipulates: "No Government servant shall bring or attempt to bring any political or other outside influence to bear upon any superior authority to further his interests in respect of matters pertaining to his service under the Government." This mandate was previously reiterated vide OM No. Z-17/12/Misc./2022-Estt.I dated 24.05.2023 (copy enclosed). Despite these instructions, instances of external intervention continue to be reported. It is further clarified, in terms of Ministry of Home Affairs OM No. F.25/21/63- Ests.(A) dated 19.09.1963 (copy enclosed), that any representation, communication, or approach made by family members, relatives, or any other persons in respect of the service matters of a Government servant shall be construed as an attempt to bring outside influence by the officer concerned. Accordingly, in the light of the above, it is hereby directed that all officers shall strictly refrain from bringing any form of outside influence, directly or indirectly, in service-related matters. Any violation of these instructions shall be treated as serious misconduct and shall render the concerned officer liable for A-22/13/1/AGT/2026-E.I I/3408987/2025 disciplinary action under the relevant rules. This issues with the approval of the Competent Authority. Deputy Director To, 1. All Group ‘A’ and Group ‘B’ Officers on Administrative as well as Medical side of ESIC, through their controlling officers. 2. Website Content Manager for uploading the same on website of ESIC. A-22/13/1/AGT/2026-E.I I/3408987/2025 No. Z-17/12/Misc./2022-Estt.I Dated: .05.2023 OFFICE MEMORANDUM Sub: Representation from officers/employees on service matters – reiteration of instructions -regarding. Undersigned is directed to refer to DoP&T OM No. F.No.11013/08/2013-Estt.(A)-III dated 06.06.2013 and 31.08.2015 on the above mentioned subject. In this regard, Office Memorandum vide No.A-22/13/1/2017-Estt.I dated 22.03.2021 was also issued reiterating the above instructions. Despite the instructions, it has been observed that many ESIC officers and employees continue to approach higher authorities viz. Hon’ble Ministers, MPs, MLAs and other public representatives for their service matters without following official channel of communication. In many cases, instead of the officers/employees, their family members approach these higher authorities. It is reiterated that in any matter connected with service rights or conditions, if a Government servant wishes to press a claim or to seek redressal of a grievance, the proper course for him is to address his immediate official superior, or Head of his office, or such other authority at the appropriate level who is competent to deal with the matter in the Organization through proper channel. Therefore, these representations (including e-mails, text messages or public grievances portal etc.) made directly to other authorities bypassing the prescribed channel of communication have been viewed very seriously by the Competent Authority and treated as unbecoming conduct attracting the provisions of Rule 3(1)(iii) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964 as applicable on ESIC Officers/Employees. These acts are also in contravention to Rule 20 of CCS (Conduct) Rules,1964 which prohibits government servant from bringing outside influence in respect of his service matters and the MHA OM No. F- 25/21/63-Ests.(A) dated 19.09.1963 which prescribes representations made by relatives of Government servant as outside influence. These acts of officers/employees to prefer their service matters without exhausting the prescribed channels are thus liable for disciplinary action. Competent authority has directed that all officers/ employees to conform to the aforesaid directions/instructions failing which suitable necessary action shall be initiated. This issues with the approval of Competent Authority. Deputy Director (E-I) To 1. All officers & employees of ESIC Corporation. 2. Website Content Manager for uploading the Memorandum on the website of ESIC for information of all concerned. Z-17/12/Misc./2023-Estt.I I/446571/2023 Z-17/12/Misc./2023-Estt.I I/446571/2023