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Immunity for public official duties who act in good faith
View(s):The Government is set to introduce sweeping reforms in the public sector updating existing rules and regulations while providing legal provisions to grant immunity to officials who carry out their duties in good faith.
This is one of the several far reaching measures that will be implemented to improve and make efficient the public service in line with the Government’s new National Policy Framework approved by the Cabinet of Ministers recently.
The national policy is aimed at achieving a fourfold outcome of being a productive citizen, a contented family, a virtuous, disciplined and just society and a prosperous nation.
It is mandatory for all ministries, departments, provincial councils and local authorities as well as all government agencies to implement their policies and functions in accordance with this new Policy Frame work.
Under the sub-sector ‘Public Service’ in the new Policy Frame Work, the government will be introducing new legal provisions to provide “immunity (indemnity) for officers of government departments, public corporations and state banks who carry out their duties in good faith”.
This indemnity for officers was deemed necessary to revitalise the public service which had become lethargic during the previous regime due to fear of taking decisions in the course of their duties, a senior government official who wished to remain anonymous told the Sunday Times.
Official immunity will be given to public officers when they exercise their discretionary duties in good faith while acting within the scope of their authority in accordance with the new Policy Frame Work, he added.
A new “Code of Ethics‟ for officials will be introduced to ensure an independent public service and make them accountable to the people and discharge their duties with utmost responsibility, integrity, competence, and loyalty.
Public officials will have to act with patriotism and justice, lead modest lives, and uphold public interest over personal interest, he said.
A healthcare allowance will be given to lower grades of employees in the public service including the local government institutions.
According to the policy document, measures will be taken to establish a senior group of officials under the chairmanship of the Secretary to the Cabinet to examine Cabinet papers on government expenditure and investment.
Purchasing and renting of office premises and vehicles for the public sector will be suspended for three years as an austerity measure.
This public policy statement contains 10 key policies, giving due consideration to socio-economic, environmental and political aspects.