Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021

 Key Points from Karnataka State Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021

1. General Conduct

·         Maintain absolute integrity, devotion to duty, and avoid anything unbecoming of a government servant.

·         Follow high ethical standards, political neutrality, fairness, impartiality, and courtesy.

·         Use public resources efficiently, avoid conflicts of interest, and declare private interests.

2. Supervision and Discipline

·         Supervisory officers must ensure integrity of subordinates.

·         Follow lawful orders, maintain punctuality, and avoid dilatory tactics or delays.

3. Interaction with Superiors

·         Oral orders must be confirmed in writing.

·         If directions violate rules/law, officer must inform superiors.

4. Family Employment Restrictions

·         Cannot use influence to secure jobs for family members.

·         Must report if family member accepts employment in an organization having official dealings.

5. Political Neutrality

·         Cannot join political parties, attend political activities, or influence elections.

·         Voting is allowed but without revealing choice.

·         Even displaying election symbols (on body, home, vehicle, social media) is prohibited.

6. Movement and Foreign Tours

·         Cannot leave headquarters without permission.

·         Private foreign tours require prior approval.

7. Demonstrations & Strikes

·         Cannot participate in demonstrations disturbing public order.

·         Cannot participate, instigate, or support strikes.

8. Media, Books, Public Speaking

Prior permission needed to:

 

·         Publish books,

·         Write articles,

·         Participate in TV/Radio,

·         Edit newspapers.

Exception: purely literary, artistic, scientific content.

9. Criticism of Government

·         Cannot publicly criticize the policies of the State/Central Government.

·         Can raise issues only through recognized associations for service matters.

10. Evidence before Committees

Permission required to give evidence except in:

·         Parliamentary/Legislative committees,

·         Court or judicial inquiry

11. RTI and Official Information

·         Must provide information under RTI.

·         Cannot share classified information outside official duties.

12. Gifts

·         Cannot accept gifts except from close relatives/friends on social occasions.

Must report:

·         If value > basic monthly salary (from relatives),

·         If value > half of monthly salary (from friends).

13. Dowry Prohibition

·         Strictly prohibited from giving, taking, or demanding dowry.

14. Public Felicitations

·         Cannot accept public honours, felicitation events without government permission.

15. Private Trade & Employment

·         Cannot engage in private business or take up employment.

·         Can do occasional literary, artistic, or charitable work with conditions.

16. Doctors & Teaching Staff

·         Doctors cannot own hospitals, pharmacies, or diagnostic labs.

·         Teachers cannot run private tutorials for commercial gain.

17. Financial Propriety

·         Must avoid wasteful expenditure.

·         Cannot misuse government funds or facilities.

·         Cannot sub-let government accommodation.

18. Investment, Lending & Borrowing

·         Speculation in shares prohibited.

·         Cannot enter financial dealings with people who have official transactions with them.

·         Loans from friends/relatives allowed only within limits.

19. Insolvency

·         Must avoid habitual indebtedness.

·         Must report if facing legal proceedings for debt recovery.

20. Asset Declaration

Must declare:

·         Movable and immovable property at induction.

·         Annual asset & liability return by 31 December every year.

Prior permission needed for buying/selling immovable property.

21. Property outside India

·         Cannot buy or sell immovable property outside India without prior approval.

22. Vindication of Acts

·         Cannot approach court/press to defend official acts without permission.

23. Marriage Restrictions

·         Cannot marry when having a living spouse (unless permitted).

·         Must report if marrying a foreign national.

24. Intoxicants

·         Cannot appear drunk on duty or in public.

·         Must follow all laws related to alcohol/drugs.

25. Child Labour

·         Cannot employ anyone below 18 years for household or official work.

26. Sexual Harassment

·         Complete prohibition of any form of sexual harassment.

27. Family Responsibility

·         Must take care of basic needs of spouse, children, and parents.

28. Higher Studies

Need prior permission before pursuing higher studies.