Thiruvananthapuram: In a significant move, the state government has relaxed residency norms for government officials, increasing the permissible distance from their office from 15 to 20 kilometres. For medical officers, the requirement has been extended from 8 kilometres to 10 kilometres.

Employees in departments such as Revenue, Police, Health, Local Self-Government, and Fire and Rescue will be provided accommodation within office premises or nearby. The Social Justice and Finance departments have been tasked with facilitating this initiative.

Additionally, staff quarters will include daycare facilities, and officials undertaking field duties will be provided with two-wheelers. These changes are part of the government's decision to implement select recommendations from the Administrative Reforms Commission, chaired by V S Achuthanandan.

The state cabinet has decided to implement the majority of the commission's 111 recommendations, delegating execution responsibilities to various government departments.

Other key decisions:
Timely completion of inquiries: Departmental inquiries must be concluded within six months for minor penalties and within a year for major penalties. Only senior officials will be eligible for extensions to the investigation period.
Revised appeal system: Employees facing departmental action can now appeal directly to the appellate authority, eliminating the practice of appealing to the officer who initiated the action.
Inquiry responsibility: Officials assigned to conduct departmental inquiries cannot be relieved of their duties unless they retire from service.

Mental health support for retiring employees: Counselling sessions will be provided to retiring officials to alleviate stress and prepare them for a fulfilling post-retirement life.
Vacancy management: The SPARK software will be used to identify and report vacancies at least 18 months before an official's retirement.
Recognition for dedication: Officials demonstrating exceptional commitment to their work will be recognised and rewarded.
Health check-up policy: The Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department will decide whether the government will directly offer health check-ups or provide allowances for the purpose.