Tanzania cautions institutions against delaying workers’ entitlements
IRINGA: HUMAN Resource Officers and Legal Officers have been urged to strictly adhere to laws, regulations, procedures and established guidelines when handling disciplinary cases to prevent unnecessary financial losses to the government.
The call was made on Thursday in Iringa by the Deputy Minister in the President’s Office – Public Service Management and Good Governance, Regina Qwaray, while opening a working session bringing together Legal Officers and Human Resource Officers to identify challenges in the implementation of the Public Service Act and its accompanying regulations.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister, Ms Qwaray said disciplinary cases remain among the most challenging areas in the public service, often costing the government significant sums of money due to failure by responsible officers to properly manage disciplinary processes.
She noted that many disciplinary appeals are won by employees because of avoidable errors committed by Human Resource Officers and Legal Officers, including poor drafting of charge sheets, improper constitution of disciplinary committees, failure to adhere to statutory timelines, and neglecting to interview witnesses or to give accused officers the right to cross-examine witnesses and review evidence.
“I urge you to adhere to the law, regulations, procedures and guidelines at all times when handling disciplinary matters. Failure to do so causes unnecessary financial loss to the government,” she said.
Ms Qwaray also directed public servants to ensure that employees receive their entitlements on time, underscoring the importance of efficiency and timely communication.
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“We all know that justice delayed is justice denied. Providing timely justice will motivate the employees under our supervision. Let us ensure justice is served in our workplaces,” she added.
The Deputy Minister reminded officers that every public servant must keep essential working documents at their desk to guide them in planning and executing their duties.
These include professional reference materials and national frameworks such as the Constitution of the United Republic of Tanzania, the CCM Election Manifesto, the Tanzania Development Vision 2050, and the Institutional Strategic Plan.
She revealed that her office continues to receive requests for clarification on issues that have already been addressed through existing circulars and guidelines , evidence that some officers are not fully familiar with the tools and legal provisions governing public service administration.
Ms Qwaray emphasised that the Public Service Act, Cap 298, the Public Service Regulations of 2022, the Standing Orders for the Public Service (2009 Edition), and other official instruments clearly set out the procedures that must be followed when addressing human resource matters.
“It is your responsibility to study these documents and resolve issues at your level before escalating them to my office. Advise your institutional leaders to address human resource challenges by relying on the established guidelines,” she said.
She further urged Human Resource Managers, in particular, to embrace change and strengthen compliance across their institutions in line with the laws and standards governing the public service.
