(2) Where an officer is absent from duty, the Head of Department shall, within five days of such absence, report the fact to the State Secretary together with the dates and circumstances of the absence and any further information which may be required concerning the officer. The State Secretary shall, in cases where it is considered justifiable, submit the case in respect of the officer to the Commission.

(3) The Commission may, upon considering the report in paragraph (2), institute or cause to be instituted disciplinary action as it may deem fit, against the officer in accordance with the Public Service Commission Rules, 1996.

(4) Where an officer has been found guilty of being absent from duty without leave or without permission or without reasonable cause, he shall not be entitled to be paid any emolument for the period during which he is absent from duty, and any emolument paid to him during such period shall be refunded to the Government and the Government shall be entitled to recover the emolument as a civil debt from the officer.

(5) Where an officer has been absent from duty and his absence has been reported to the State Secretary under paragraph (2), the Head of Department shall take action to stop payment of his salary and allowances, and such stoppage shall continue-

(a) until he returns to work;

(b) until the conclusion of disciplinary action against him; or

(c) unless the Commission otherwise orders.

(6) For the purpose of this General Order, "absence" includes failure to be present for any length of time whatsoever at a time and place where the officer is required to be present for the performance of his duties.