Bengaluru. Jun 7 (DHNS): Stung by criticism, the legislature secretariat has modified an order that had singled out “women employees” not to walk in the corridors (of Vidhana Soudha) without any reason.”

The circular issued on May 21 stated that women employees were seen loitering in the corridors or talking in a loud voice.

There are 800 employees in the legislature secretariat and 65 per cent of them are women. The offices of the secretariat are spread over all the three floors of the Vidhana Soudha. Some offices are housed in the neighbouring Legislators’ Home.

“Many women employees are seen casually walking in the corridors. Employees have been directed to imbibe discipline and co-operate for the smooth flow of work. If they fail to follow instructions, action would be initiated against them,” the circular posted on various notice boards of the state secretariat stated.

The circular had come in for flak from various quarters for singling out women employees and had been dubbed “sexist.” The legislature secretariat has now issued a modified order withdrawing the earlier one replacing the words “women employees” with the word “employees.”

Legislative Assembly Kagodu Thimmappa, explaining the reason for modifying the circular, said: “It was an oversight and was not intentional. When it was brought to my notice, I directed that the modified circular be issued,” Thimmappa said.

Sources said there had been complaints from senior officers that employees were not in their seats during office hours or were talking on the mobile phone all the time and hence the circular was issued.