Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema enforces zero-tolerance as Punjab Excise & Taxation Department removes long-term absentee employees.

The State Tax Commissioner, Punjab, has ordered the “deemed resignation” of four department employees who were discovered to have been on unapproved leave for more than a year, in accordance with Punjab Finance, Excise, and Taxation Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directives to enforce strict discipline and accountability. The State Tax Commissioner Jatinder Jorwal issued these orders in relation to three Excise and Taxation Inspectors and one Clerk who failed to report for duty in spite of several legal notifications and chances to return to their respective positions.

Minister Harpal Singh Cheema commented on the punishment, saying, “Our government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards indiscipline and dereliction of duty.” Employees who continue to miss work without permission for years, even after being given numerous chances to provide an explanation, have no place in the administration since public service demands commitment and presence. We are dedicated to making sure Punjab’s citizens have access to an open and accountable system.

Following a thorough investigation carried out in accordance with Rule 8 of the Punjab Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 1970, the services were terminated. One of the individuals impacted is an Inspector who has been out of work at Jalandhar-2 since March 15, 2023, after his request for leave was denied by higher-ups. In a similar vein, it was discovered that another Inspector had been away nonstop since June 24, 2023. Despite being suspended, he had not reported to his designated headquarters or given a suitable reason.

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Additionally, the department took action against a Ropar Range Inspector whose unapproved absence began on May 29, 2021, after an authorized Ex-India leave ended. Independent investigations revealed that he was careless in his official duties, failing to participate in investigations even through virtual modes, despite allegations of medical problems and heart surgery. A Jalandhar Audit Wing staffer also had his employment terminated after he failed to report for duty on September 11, 2023, after his Ex-India leave was denied.

According to directives from the Finance Department dated March 13, 2025, the department used the “deemed resignation” clause in each of the four situations. According to this rule, an employee will be deemed to have resigned from government service if they miss more than a year of work without authorization. It was also made clear that these persons would not be eligible for any pensionary benefits, gratuities, or other service-related perks as a result of their considered resignation. The final administrative orders resulted from the competent authority noting that several employees failed to return to work within the legally allowed duration, despite citing health or family reasons.