Three people have been appointed to an investigation committee, which will produce a report and recommendations.
August 2nd, Srinagar: Sumbal, formerly a Data Entry Operator in the zonal education office, will now be working out of the Tehsildar’s office in Bandipora. The official’s allegedly insulting social media post that might have an influence on community cohesion prompted the action to be taken, which was reported by field agencies.
According to GNS, citing anonymous sources, the position in issue violates both the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules 1971 and Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution.
Meanwhile, a committee led by Tehsildar Sumbal has been established to look into the situation and report back with its findings and suggestions within a week.
Sub Divisional Magistrate, Sumbal, Aamir Choudhary, vide no. SDM/S/2023-24/864-69, issued an attachment and subsequent inquiry order, a copy of which is held by GNS, which reads, “Consequent upon the report from the field agencies regarding obnoxious social media post allegedly by one Mohammad Saleem Bhat Data Entry Operator, Zonal Education Office Sumbal having detrimental effect on prevalent brotherhood and peaceful situation at present which
“That such unpleasant social media posts are in contravention to Article 19 (2) of the Constitution of India, which deals with the Freedom of Speech and also imposes reasonable restrictions as well.”
In addition, Rule 30 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules 1956 specifies the following penalties for infractions of the Conduct Rules: “Moreover, it is in violation of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules 1971, which clearly lists out the activities that are not to be carried out by the employees.” The employee might be subject to a ii) fine of up to one month’s salary, iii) the withholding of raises and promotions, and/or iv) a demotion to a lesser position, salary range, or career stage. “vii) Premature retirement on proportionate pension other than that viii) Specified in rule 226 (2) of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations,” the judgement said.
Furthermore, GAD Circular No- JK (GAD) of 2023 dated 24-03-2023 makes it crystal clear that government employees shall not post on social media any such content or comments about coworkers or individuals that are vulgar, obscene, threatening, intimidating, or that violate the conduct rules, and shall refrain from indulging in such behaviour.
Given the gravity of the situation, I am attaching Mohammad Saleem Bhat, Data Entry Operator at ZEO Sumbal, to the Tehsildar’s office in Sumbal, effective immediately. In addition, the Tehsildar of Sumbal has appointed the following three people to serve on a committee he will chair: 1. the Zonal Education Officer of Sumbal Social Service Worker in Tehsil (Sumbal) 2. Within a week, under the SDM’s instruction, the committee is to conduct an investigation and provide a report with recommendations to the SDM’s office.
