Representative image (AI generated)

A survey by Gujarat Samachar Digital reveals a divide between IAS and IPS officers in the state on the issue of whether visitors can carry their mobile phones into meetings. While IAS officers generally allow visitors to keep their phones in their offices, some IPS officers require them to surrender their devices, citing concerns over unauthorised audio and video recordings of sensitive information.

The survey, conducted a day after the confrontation between Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani and Additional Director-General of Police (ADG) Rajkumar Pandian, sought responses from five IAS collectors and five IPS District Superintendents of Police (SPs). 

The argument between Mevani and ADG Pandian at the Gandhinagar Police Bhavan on October 15 occurred when Pandian asked Mevani and a colleague to leave their phones outside during a meeting to discuss concerns of the Dalit community.

All five collectors stated they do not require visitors to leave their phones outside, emphasising their commitment to transparency and accessibility. One collector noted, “We are government officials. Even if a visitor records in our office, we allow it. We even answer calls at 2 am for electricity issues.”

However, there was no such uniformity among the police brass. Some IPS officers expressed caution about potential misuse of recordings. SP explained, "We ask for phones to be left outside to prevent the spread of misinformation or recordings of sensitive information, especially regarding serious incidents." Another SP clarified that while there’s no strict rule, they occasionally request phones to be left outside, depending on the situation. 

SD Sharma, Joint Secretary of the Central government's Personnel and Training Department, clarified that there is no Central government directive or order regarding phone policies in government offices. He stated that IAS and IPS officers, appointed by the Central government but serving in state governments, can adjust visitor protocols according to local needs.

The Gujarat Samachar Digital survey also highlighted the increasing use of WhatsApp calls among officials for both government and private communications, reflecting growing concerns about call recording.