The Karnataka government has issued a stern advisory to state employees, directing them to adhere strictly to workplace discipline and maintain appropriate dress standards, warning that violations could attract disciplinary action.

The directive, circulated by the Department of Personnel Administration and Reforms (DPAR), follows multiple complaints from members of the public and various organisations regarding the conduct and appearance of government staff.

The circular has been addressed to senior officials, including heads of departments, deputy commissioners, senior secretariat officers, the Chief Minister’s Office and chief executive officers of district panchayats, clearly outlining expected standards of behaviour and office decorum.

According to DPAR, several complaints flagged instances of employees reporting to the office in unsuitable attire, which officials said reflects poorly on the image of the state government. While acknowledging that there is no formal dress code for government employees, the department emphasised that maintaining basic decency and professionalism is mandatory.

The advisory noted that some younger employees were dressing in a casual manner akin to college students, including wearing torn jeans, sleeveless outfits and excessively tight clothing. Such attire, the circular stated, is inappropriate for a government workplace, and the issue is being treated with seriousness.

The move has been welcomed by the Karnataka State Government Employees’ Association.

Beyond dress norms, the circular also reiterated the need for strict compliance with existing administrative procedures. It highlighted lapses in the maintenance of the movement register and the cash declaration register.

As per rules, employees are required to report for duty by 10.10 am and remain at their designated workstations until the end of official hours. Any movement outside the office during working hours for official purposes must be duly recorded in the movement register.

Employees are also required to declare the amount of cash they carry while entering and leaving the office by making entries in the cash register. The government has made it clear that non-compliance with these instructions will invite strict action.