Bandipora, Aug 02: A Data Entry Operator was attached for alleged offensive social media content in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Wednesday.
The operator employed at the Zonal Education Office (ZEO) in Sumbal was placed under administrative detachment following the reports from the field agencies concerning an offensive post allegedly circulated by the official on social media.
The order for the Data Entry Clerk’s administrative detachment issued by the Sub Divisional Magistrate, bearing reference number SDM/S/2023-24/864-69 stated that the disseminated content was deemed detrimental to the prevailing peace and brotherhood in the locality, with the potential to incite tensions between various segments of society.
It also pointed out that the posted content appeared to be in contravention of Article 19 (2) of the Indian Constitution, which safeguards the Right to Freedom of Speech while also imposing reasonable restrictions. “The content was also found to be in violation of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules of 1971, which explicitly outline proscribed activities for employees and delineate punitive measures under Rule 30 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control, and Appeal) Rules of 1956,” it added.
The range of penalties encompass censure, fines, suspension of increments or promotions, demotion to a lower rank, restitution of monetary losses incurred due to negligence or non-compliance with directives, premature retirement with a proportionate pension, and other stipulated disciplinary actions, the order elucidated.
Citing Circular No JK (GAD) of 2023 dated 24-03-2023 issued by the General Administration Department, the order further underscores that civil servants are expected to refrain from participating in social media activities that transgress established regulations.
The circular specifically admonishes against sharing explicit, lewd, menacing content or comments targeting colleagues or individuals, and urges employees to abstain from engaging in unwarranted debates or exchanges that contravene conduct norms. The violation of these guidelines may be construed as misconduct and could potentially lead to disciplinary proceedings against the implicated official.
Given the sensitive nature of the matter, the Data Entry Clerk in question has been expeditiously placed under administrative detachment, with his duties now assigned to the office of the Tehsildar Sumbal, the order states.
In a bid to facilitate a thorough investigation, a three-member committee has been formed, headed by the Tehsildar Sumbal, and including the Zonal Education Officer Sumbal and Tehsil Social Welfare Officer Sumbal. This committee has been tasked with submitting its findings and recommendations within a week from the date of the order.
