Ever since Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay took office, his strict punctuality has been influencing the work culture at the Tamil Nadu Secretariat. Vijay’s consistent work schedule, starting between 9.45 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekdays and ending around 4.30 p.m. or 5 p.m., has led to tighter attendance norms and reinforced office discipline among employees.
Administrative departments have begun implementing measures to ensure officials and staff are present and active before the workday begins. The Food and Civil Supplies Department was among the first to introduce directives, requiring employees to report by 9.50 a.m. and office assistants by 9.30 a.m., along with detailed attendance procedures.
To streamline attendance tracking, Under Secretaries were instructed to close registers and submit summaries before 10 a.m., facilitating data consolidation for the Additional Chief Secretary’s office. Failure to comply with the revised instructions may result in disciplinary action, as warned in a circular issued by the department.
Other departments are now following suit, issuing similar directives to enhance punctuality and administrative efficiency. However, some employees have raised concerns about commuting challenges due to traffic restrictions during the Chief Minister’s convoy movement, causing delays during peak office hours.
The Chief Minister’s convoy typically passes through the Marina Road area between 9.30 a.m. and 9.45 a.m., coinciding with many employees’ reporting times. While previous Chief Ministers arrived later in the morning, the current emphasis on punctuality is seen as part of broader efforts to enhance governance and workplace discipline.
