I&B Ministry Withdraws its order to stop Salary of Employees who did not complete online training courses
The Union Information and Broadcasting Ministry has withdrawn its recent directive that made the completion of Integrated Government Online Training (iGOT) courses mandatory for salary clearance. This decision was announced on Monday, November 18, 2024, and has brought relief to many government employees who were concerned about their pay being held back.
What Was the Original Order?
The Ministry’s earlier memorandum stated that salary payments for employees would be processed only if they completed the required iGOT courses and submitted their certificates. It said:
“Salary bills may be kept on hold until further orders if certificates are not provided.”
This meant that any employee who had not completed the mandatory training would not receive their monthly salary.
Why Was This Order Issued?
The directive was part of the government’s efforts to upskill civil servants. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 2024 National Learning Week, which focuses on helping government employees develop new skills and stay updated with modern practices.
iGOT is an online learning platform designed for government workers. It is part of the Digital India initiative, allowing employees to learn anytime and anywhere using any device. The courses aim to improve the performance and knowledge of government staff.
Employee Concerns
The order caused significant worry among employees. Many felt it was unfair to tie salaries to completing training. Some of the major concerns raised were:
- Unrealistic Expectations: Employees argued that their busy work schedules made it difficult to complete the training within the required time.
- Access Issues: Some employees pointed out that they lacked proper internet access or devices to finish the courses.
- Financial Strain: For many workers, salaries are their only source of income. Holding back payments would create financial difficulties for them and their families.
Government’s Response
After receiving feedback and recognizing the concerns, the Ministry decided to cancel the directive. Now, employees’ salaries will no longer depend on whether they have completed the iGOT training.
What is iGOT, and Why is it Important?
iGOT (Integrated Government Online Training) is an online platform designed to provide training to government employees. It is part of the government’s plan to improve skills and make civil servants more efficient.
The platform offers courses on various topics, helping employees learn new techniques and adapt to changes in their work. Since it’s online, employees can take courses at their convenience without attending physical classes.
What’s Next?
Even though the mandatory link to salaries has been removed, the government will still encourage employees to complete iGOT courses. Training remains a priority to ensure government services are delivered efficiently.
The Ministry may now explore other ways to motivate employees to participate in training programs, such as offering rewards or recognition instead of penalties.
Conclusion
The withdrawal of the salary-related directive shows that the government is willing to listen to its employees and address their concerns. At the same time, the focus on training through platforms like iGOT will continue to help government workers improve their skills and deliver better services to the public. This balanced approach ensures employees feel supported while staying committed to their professional growth.