Hubballi: The practice of displaying ID cards and name boards in govt offices is essential for promoting transparency and accountability. It allows citizens to easily identify and approach the appropriate officials for their needs, inquiries, or grievances. This practice also deters misconduct, as officials are more likely to act responsibly when their identities are visible to the public.However, many govt offices, including those in Hubballi, have not been adhering to this practice. Offices such as those of Hubballi Nagara tahsildar, Hubballi Rural tahsildar, taluk panchayat, sub registrar’s office, and others in mini Vidhana Soudha have been observed neglecting this protocol. This non-compliance is often due to the negligence of senior officials, setting a precedent for laxity among staff and eroding public trust.Displaying ID cards and name boards is a simple yet effective measure to ensure that officials are easily identifiable, fostering trust and openness between the govt and the public. The absence of these identifiers can lead to difficulties in identifying officials, hindering public service delivery and creating ambiguity.Ravi Krishna Reddy of Karnataka Rashtra Samiti highlighted the responsibility of the regional commissioner to ensure compliance with directives issued by the chief secretary. A special squad has the authority to conduct inspections and issue notices to non-compliant employees. Reddy emphasised that it is mandatory for govt employees to wear ID cards and display their names and designations on their desks. He noted that non-compliance among lower-rung staff often stems from the arrogance and power exercised by senior officials.Divya Prabhu, deputy commissioner of Dharwad, stated she would issue directives to all govt offices in the district to adhere to instructions regarding ID cards and name displays. This initiative aims to instil a sense of responsibility and professionalism among employees, reminding them of their duty to serve the public with integrity.
