No Laxity, No Excuses: Discipline Applies to All, From Staff to Commissioners, Says CM Rekha Gupta

CM conducts surprise inspection at GST office, pulls up officials for lapses

Show-cause notices for absentee officers; biometric attendance mandatory for all

Officials to be held directly responsible for delays in public services, CM makes it clear

New Delhi, April 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta on Wednesday carried out a surprise inspection at the State GST office in ITO, where several officials including senior officers were found absent from duty. Taking a serious view, she directed that immediate show-cause notices be issued to all those missing. Making her stance clear, the Chief Minister said her government will not tolerate negligence or inefficiency at any level. She underlined that the purpose of such inspections is not merely to review systems, but to enforce accountability and discipline across the administrative machinery.

Expressing strong displeasure, Gupta noted that even senior officers were not present at their desks during working hours. “Discipline is not meant only for junior staff; it applies equally to everyone, including commissioners and special commissioners,” she said, asserting that no one will be exempt from rules.

She reiterated that biometric attendance is mandatory for all, and directed departments to ensure strict compliance. Officials have also been asked to submit biometric attendance records for the past one month with immediate effect, so that responsibility can be clearly fixed.

During the visit, the Chief Minister interacted directly with taxpayers and members of the public to gather feedback. Complaints about delays in services and the unavailability of officials came to the fore. Responding firmly, she issued a clear warning that if public services are delayed, the concerned officers will be held directly accountable.

Inspecting the office premises, Gupta also flagged shortcomings in infrastructure and safety. She ordered the immediate removal of unused materials and scrap to improve the working environment. Raising concerns over fire safety preparedness, she directed that regular audits and maintenance reports be made mandatory.

On grievance redressal, the Chief Minister made it clear that official meetings cannot become an excuse for pending public work. She directed that all pending cases be reviewed on a weekly basis, the complaint resolution system be simplified and expedited, and clear accountability be fixed for any delay in service delivery.

Reiterating the government’s approach, Gupta said Delhi is following a zero-tolerance policy towards negligence, irregularities and corruption. She warned that strict action will be taken against officials who show laxity in matters of public interest. She also made it clear that such surprise inspections will continue regularly to keep a close watch on the functioning of government offices and to ensure that public trust in the system remains strong.