Outcry for Justice: CSS Forum Demands Probe into Harassment-Driven Suicide Attempt

A disturbing incident has sent shockwaves through the heart of India's bureaucratic machinery, sparking outrage and an urgent call for justice. The Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum has vehemently demanded an impartial and thorough inquiry into the attempted suicide of a dedicated government official, S.

Palanivel, a Section Officer, whose despair allegedly stemmed from relentless workplace harassment and a shocking disregard for his well-being.

The incident, which saw Mr. Palanivel attempt to take his own life on March 18 by consuming sedatives within the confines of his office, paints a grim picture of the environment within the Central Secretariat.

According to the CSS Forum, Mr. Palanivel had endured nearly two years of persistent harassment at the hands of senior officials. This distressing period was further compounded by the callous denial of medical leave, despite his documented struggles with depression and various other ailments.

The forum’s accusations don't stop there.

They highlight a particularly egregious decision to transfer Mr. Palanivel from the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) – ironically, the very department responsible for shaping human resource policies – to the Ministry of Power, even when his medical condition clearly warranted compassionate consideration.

This move, they argue, epitomizes a system that has lost its way, prioritizing arbitrary procedures over employee welfare.

In a scathing statement, the CSS Forum emphasized that the DoPT, as the custodian of HR policies for the entire Central Government, bears a profound responsibility to lead by example.

Yet, they contend, the department has fallen drastically short, allowing a culture of insensitivity and unchecked power to fester. The forum's demands are clear and unequivocal: immediate and stringent action against all officials found responsible for Mr. Palanivel’s suffering.

This is not an isolated incident.

The forum chillingly reminds us of another tragic attempt in January, where another official from the same DoPT also tried to end their life. Such repeated occurrences underscore a systemic malaise, pointing towards a deeply entrenched lack of accountability and empathy within the DoPT’s higher echelons.

The forum asserts that a conducive and respectful working environment is not a luxury, but a fundamental right, and anything less is an abject failure of leadership.

Beyond punitive measures, the CSS Forum is advocating for a comprehensive review and overhaul of existing human resource policies.

They believe that without fundamental reforms, such distressing incidents will continue, eroding trust and endangering the mental and physical well-being of countless public servants. The call for an independent probe into Mr. Palanivel’s case is a powerful plea, not just for one individual, but for a systemic change that ensures no other official is pushed to such desperate extremes.