The Finance Ministry has asked employees of public sector insurance companies not to influence posting, transfers and appointments through political pressure. If they do, disciplinary action could be initiated.
In a strongly-worded letter mailed to the chief executives of public sector insurance companies, the financial services department of the Finance Ministry said, “Some employees of public sector insurance companies have been bringing political pressure and outside influence in matters related to transfers, postings, disciplinary matters, appointments etc on this department.”
“The issue has been examined and it has been decided to advise the public sector insurance companies to sensitise their employees to refrain from such activities, failing which disciplinary action may be taken against them,” the Ministry said in a communication to the chairman of Life Insurance Corporation and chairman and managing directors of six general insurance companies. The Ministry has advised insurance companies to frame a transparent system of transfers and postings. They have also been asked to build a robust mechanism to address employee grievances. “If the rightful due of employees is ensured through transparent means, the tendency for adoption of unacceptable means shall be checked,” the letter said, adding that the Human Resources Department should be made accountable for setting up such a mechanism and the chief executive should regularly review pending cases.
Earlier, in case of public sector banks, the government had promised full functional autonomy to public sector banks and said no phone call would be made for any favours. It added that all business decisions would be taken by banks.
Companies asked to build a robust mechanism to address employee grievances
