In a step towards image makeover of the babudom, the Delhi Government has decided to impart a one-day crash course on ‘Etiquettes and personality development’ to officers belonging to IAS, DANICS (State civil service and subordinate services) and DASS (subordinate services).

The step is being undertaken after feedback was received about the (mis)behavior by officials. They were reportedly rude towards their sub-ordinates and in public dealings. The first of its kind course will be held on March 5, 2012.

Insiders say that adverse findings by the VK Shunglu Committee and CAG regarding Commonwealth Games mess have dented the public image of Government officials. “To improve its image in public, the Delhi Government has decided to conduct a crash course on ‘Etiquettes and personality development’ for its officials,” said insiders.

When asked, Delhi Chief Secretary Pravin Kumar Tripathi said, “This is the part of the training module for civil services officials and such trainings will help them overcome their shortcomings while dealing with administrative works and public. According a circular, a copy of which is with The Pioneer, issued to all Delhi Government departments, the course has been designed to benefit all functionaries in the Government, its local bodies/autonomous bodies and public sector undertakings. The course is being organised by Directorate of Training and Union Territories Civil Services department of the Delhi Government.

The training module offers 75-minute class of etiquettes, society, culture and customs while the second session of 75-minute course will be on etiquettes and individual. The third session of 75 minutes will offer a lecture on etiquettes and organisation, while and the fourth session course will offer how to develop etiquettes and personality. The course would be conducted by experts. At the end of the course, the participants will be able to understand the need for etiquettes in the organisation, according to the module.

“Good manners and professional etiquette are essential to civil services officials. Historically, good manners evolved from common-sense and respect for others. In civil services examination, there is no test for etiquettes or personality development.

Recalling an episode at the Player’s Building, a senior official said that a former chief secretary who superseded many colleagues had to face a precarious situation when senior-most officials of certain authorities did not attend the meetings called by Chief Secretary at his office.