Deputy CM Patton cracks whip on truant employees in Wokha

• DIMAPUR — In a strong push for administrative discipline and workplace accountability, Deputy Chief Minister Yanthungo Patton conducted a surprise inspection at multiple government departments in Wokha on Friday, reinforcing the state’s ‘No work, no pay’ policy.
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• According to a DIPR report, the inspection began at the Department of Rural Development, where Patton examined attendance registers and physically verified staff presence.
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• Y Patton with officers and staff during a surprise inspection at a government office in Wokha on Friday.

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• Of the 31 employees on the roster, only 12 were present, two were on approved leave, and 19 were found to be absent without prior sanction.
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• He ordered immediate salary deductions for the absentees and instructed that their names be submitted to the deputy commissioner for further action.

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• Patton ensured that staff members marked present were at their respective workstations. Those missing despite being marked as present were promptly considered absent, and salary deductions ordered accordingly.
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• The inspection continued at the Power department, where out of 28 total staff, three were on leave and one was absent. Similar disciplinary action was initiated, including same-day wage deductions for unapproved absences.
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• At the Department of Economics and Statistics, two of the 35 employees were found absent, and one employee on leave. Addressing the officials during his visit, the deputy chief minister emphasised the importance of punctuality, proper leave protocols, and daily attendance as pillars of public service.
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• “All employees are expected to attend office regularly. Leave must be officially applied and approved in advance,” he said. He also issued a stern reminder that more unannounced inspections would follow across government offices in the coming months to ensure strict adherence.
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• The deputy chief minister also used the opportunity to hear grievances and operational challenges faced by the departments, assuring that necessary follow-up actions would be taken.
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• Meanwhile, Patton took to X (formerly Twitter) to inform about the surprise inspections at key government offices in Wokha. The deputy CM stated that he was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Vineet Kumar and Superintendent of Police Rhovisie Nyuwi.
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• He asserted that all the absentee officials will face salary deduction as per the ‘No work no pay’ policy.
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• “Public service demands discipline and accountability. The people deserve government machinery that shows up and delivers,” he stated, and added “I will continue to undertake such inspections.” (With inputs from our Correspondent)