GARC recommends Gujarat govt offices to open at 9.30 am, salary cut for employee who fails in duty

In a major move aimed at improving public service delivery and accountability, the Gujarat Administrative Reforms Commission (GARC) led by Hasmukh Adhia, has recommended that all government offices—excluding educational institutions—operate from 9.30 am to 5.10 pm. 

A significant recommendation is the strict implementation of a Citizen Charter, which will define the timeframe for delivering specific services and assign clear responsibility to government employees. If a service is not provided within the stipulated time, the responsible employee’s salary will be withheld until the task is completed satisfactorily. This measure is expected to enhance accountability and discourage delays in routine government procedures.

The commission also proposed that government departments actively use social media to disseminate information about state initiatives and local programmes. All departments will be instructed to regularly post updates on official social media handles to ensure transparency and keep the public informed.

QR code-based document verification

Another major recommendation involves the development of a tech-enabled, UID-based verification system for government-issued documents.

All official certificates, licenses, and approvals will be equipped with a QR code, allowing instant verification of authenticity. This move is aimed at curbing corruption linked to fake documents used to secure jobs or benefits.

The Citizen Charter concept is already in force in several Indian states, where it has proved to be effective in enhancing government accountability and reducing delays in public services. Gujarat’s move is seen as part of this broader trend. By holding employees financially accountable for delays, the charter aims to cultivate a culture of timely service delivery.

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