A report showing that a large number of civil servants were found absent in government departments Sunday, the first day of work after the Eid holidays, gives a clear indication of this incident repeated many times and anytime. This huge number, placed at more than 70,000, does not only provide conclusive evidence of the employees' lack of sense of responsibility but also suggests that negligence has become a normal attitude among tens of thousands of employees. The findings, released by the Control and Investigation Board (CIB), suggest that it may make the employees develop a feeling that nothing could deter them from this malpractice which is about to turn into a general malaise that might recur any day following public holidays. Regrettably, this issue is not limited to absenteeism but has also gone further to affect the employees' performance on the day before and after the holidays. In these two days the performance plunges to its lowest level to the extent of neglecting public interests, particularly for those needing urgent services. An inspection found out that many of the workers absent from duty worked in hospitals, labor offices, social security and mayor's offices. Health and education sectors topped the list of offices where workers were found absent, followed by labor offices. The CIB said that two-day wages will be deducted from the salaries of employees who did not report for work right after the holidays. To rectify this matter, control should be tightened on civil servants. Disciplinary regulations should be enforced against reckless and negligent employees. Any leniency in the enforcement of punitive rules will result in the loss of respect for civil service. This is the only way to protect public interests and the country's future. __
