Srinagar, Dec 08: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday has terminated the services of Yudhvir Singh, who was serving as a Member of the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) in district Udhampur in the wake of serious allegations of misconduct and negligence.
The decision, communicated through an order issued by Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Social Welfare Department, Yudhvir’s appointment as a Member of the Juvenile Justice Board was made on April 13, 2023, through S.0 No. 206.
However, an investigation initiated by the Mission Director, Mission Vatsalya J&K, revealed allegations of misconduct and negligence. According to the director’s report dated July 19, 2023, Yudhvir was deputed to attend an Induction Training Programme in Mohali from July 3, 2023, to July 15, 2023.
During the training, it was revealed that Yudhvir exhibited irregular attendance in class sessions. Furthermore, a visit to his accommodation revealed that he was in an inebriated condition and unable to respond to the visiting team from the National Institute of Public Cooperation and Child Development.
The order notes that Yudhvir had a previous history of misconduct during his tenure as a Member of the Child Welfare Committee in Udhampur. Despite being served an explanation for immoral and unethical conduct, the department took a lenient view, considering it a first-time offense.
It also came to the spotlight that Yudhvir Singh’s unauthorized absence from duty for more than five months, beginning from June 24, 2023. Such prolonged absence is in violation of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which emphasizes the care and protection of children in conflict.
Citing provisions from the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, the order states that Yudhvir failed to maintain honesty and integrity in discharging his duties, acting in a manner unbecoming of a member of the Juvenile Justice Board.
The decision to terminate Yudhvir Singh’s services is in accordance with sub-section 7(11) & (iv) of Section 4 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2020.
The termination is effective immediately, with the government emphasizing the importance of responsible conduct, especially in institutions dealing with sensitive matters concerning children in conflict with the law and those in need of care and protection.
