New Delhi: In a strong appeal to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), the Central Secretariat Service (CSS) Forum has reiterated its demand for the enforcement of prescribed office space norms for CSS officers in the newly constructed Kartavya Bhawan under the Central Vista redevelopment project.
In a detailed representation addressed to the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister and the Secretary of MoHUA, the CSS Forum — representing over 13,000 officers — raised serious concerns about the “non-compliance with office space entitlements” outlined in the MoHUA Office Memorandum dated 16 March 2017.
Prescribed Norms Being Ignored
The MoHUA memorandum stipulates the following minimum office space requirements:
- Deputy Secretary/Director (Level 12/13): 240 sq. ft.
- Under Secretary (Level 11): 120 sq. ft.
- Section Officer (Levels 8–10): 60 sq. ft.
- Assistant Section Officer (Level 7): 40 sq. ft.
However, CSS officers currently posted in Kartavya Bhawan-3 are reportedly being provided with significantly less space than mandated. According to the representation, this situation hampers not only the functionality and productivity of the officers but also compromises the confidentiality of sensitive government communications and decision-making processes.
Concerns Over Confidentiality and Functional Design
The forum noted that critical sections are being placed in large, undivided work halls without proper demarcation or soundproofing, leading to frequent disturbances and lack of privacy.
Most concerning is the treatment of Under Secretaries, who handle court cases, vigilance matters, and confidential files. Despite the sensitive nature of their work, these officers are being made to operate in open-plan offices, where in-person and telephonic conversations are easily overheard.
The Forum emphasized that, historically, Under Secretaries were provided with closed office spaces due to the sensitive nature of their roles. It also pointed out that officers from CAPFs and PSUs on deputation — of equivalent rank — are currently housed in closed cabins, raising concerns of disparity in treatment within the same workplace ecosystem.
Request for Corrective Measures
The CSS Forum has proposed the following to the PMO and MoHUA:
Strict adherence to office space entitlements as per the MoHUA’s 2017 guidelines, ensuring parity with similarly placed officers from other services.
Directive to all Ministries and Departments to review current seating plans and take corrective action where space allocations fall short.
Provision of closed office chambers for all Group A CSS Officers (Under Secretary and above), especially those dealing with sensitive and classified matters, in all Central Vista infrastructure projects going forward.
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Impact on PM’s Vision for Modern Workspaces
The Forum highlighted that arbitrary or inadequate space allocation undermines the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of creating a modern, dignified, and efficient working environment for all government officers under the Central Vista redevelopment.
It urged the authorities to view this issue as critical to preserving both functional efficiency and morale of the CSS cadre — the backbone of the Central Secretariat’s functioning.
Request for Meeting
In closing, the CSS Forum expressed a desire to meet with the Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister to elaborate on these pressing issues and present solutions for better workplace implementation in the newly constructed government buildings.
