The circular in this regard says, “It has come to the notice that in some cases, the officers are availing leave/headquarters leaving permission without obtaining prior permission of the chief secretary which results in unavoidable dislocation of official works.” “It is therefore decided that, prior permission of the chief secretary shall be mandatory for all lAS officers of the state while availing leaves as well as headquarter leaving permissions. This instruction shall be followed henceforth with due diligence,” read the letter signed by Additional Chief Secretary, GA department, Surendra Kumar (IAS: 1993: OD).

Though the GA department’s letter mentions no specific cases, where the guidelines were violated, sources said it has been issued after Oram sought disciplinary proceedings against his private secretary — Parag Harshad Gavali (IAS: 2013: OD) — for unauthorized absence from duty.