RMLIMS Lucknow imposes fines on outsourced staff over beard, workplace conduct
Hospital Fined
Lucknow: The Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS), Lucknow, has recently issued an order imposing fines on outsourced employees over their appearance and workplace conduct.
The directive has triggered anger among staff, with workers calling the rules arbitrary and discriminatory, since male employees can be fined Rs 200 for keeping a beard or long hair while on duty, while female employees may face a similar fine if they do not tie their hair in a bun or wear a hairnet.
The institute has around 4,000 outsourced workers, all of whom fall under the scope of this directive.
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Apart from grooming norms, the directive also imposes penalties for routine workplace requirements. The order lays down a detailed penalty structure for various violations, reports India Today.
As per the directive, employees who fail to wear identity cards or nameplates during duty hours will be fined Rs 100, while those not in uniform will be charged Rs 200 per day.
Not only this, but the employees who will be found sleeping, smoking, or consuming alcohol during duty hours will be fined Rs 500. In serious cases, the order also provides for termination and the filing of an FIR.
The directive further states that employees who leave the workplace without prior permission or remain absent may be fined Rs 500. In cases of unauthorised absence without prior notice, the penalty can go up to Rs 2,000.
It also mandates that computer operators posted at counters must deposit their mobile phones during duty hours. Authorities have warned of strict disciplinary action against those who fail to comply with the rules.
The move has angered the employees, who argue that similar restrictions are not enforced on outsourced staff at other major institutions such as King George's Medical University (KGMU) and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPIMS) and have demanded that the order be withdrawn.
