TSC Grapples with Low Compliance as 70% of Teachers Fail to Declare Wealth
TSC Grapples with Low Compliance as 70% of Teachers Fail to Declare Wealth. The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) released a scathing report on 1 December 2023 that looked at the status of the ongoing Statement of Income, Assets and Liabilities (DIALS) for 2021-2023. An internal memo to regional and county directors highlights the urgency as more than 70% of teachers and secretariat staff are yet to submit their declarations by 30 November 2023.
The meaning of the declaration
Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities (DIALS) is a vital process that all government and public officials, including teachers, must undergo. It is a mechanism designed to promote transparency and accountability among civil servants. The aim of the statement is to reveal the financial situation of individuals in the public service, prevent corruption and ensure ethical behaviour.
An alarming statistic
The report raises the alarm that a significant majority, more than 70% of the Commission’s staff, still have to fulfill their obligation to declare their income, assets and liabilities. This non-compliance is of particular concern given that the initial month of the reporting period has already passed. The sheer volume of non-compliant staff represents a significant challenge for the Commission in managing the influx of submissions in the remaining time frame.
Guidelines for an aggressive campaign
In response to the alarming statistics, the memo directed regional and county directors to launch an aggressive campaign. This campaign aims to use all relevant means of communication such as WhatsApp platforms, SMS and other channels to remind and encourage teachers and secretariat staff in their jurisdiction to submit their contributions promptly. The idea is to avoid a last-minute rush that could overwhelm the system.
Management action plan
The memorandum outlines a specific action plan, stating that a compliance list by region will be compiled and presented to management for consideration by December 11, 2023. This step is critical to assess the severity of the situation at the regional level and to strategize ways to effectively address the issue. It underlines the seriousness with which the Commission approaches this matter and emphasizes the importance of compliance.
Fixed deadline and no room for extension
A key emphasis in the memorandum is the fixed deadline for submitting the declaration. He stresses that there will be no room for extension and stresses the importance of sticking to the set timetable. This strict approach is likely intended to instill a sense of urgency among faculty and staff and to emphasize the non-negotiable nature of the deadline.
In conclusion, an internal report by The Teachers Service Commission highlights a critical problem – the low level of Declaration of Income, Assets and Liabilities (DIALS) compliance among teachers and secretariat staff. The memorandum guidelines for an aggressive campaign, the compilation of compliance lists and a firm deadline indicate the gravity of the situation. The Commission needs to address this issue quickly to ensure transparency and accountability in the public service and ensure that all teachers are up to speed with their duties. The effectiveness of the action plan outlined will determine the success of the Commission’s efforts to remedy the current crisis of non-compliance.