Srinagar: All teaching and non-teaching staff in Jammu & Kashmir’s Baramulla have been asked to refrain from criticising government policies on social media platforms, and warned of punitive action, including dismissal from service, in case of any violation.
Baramulla’s chief education officer (CEO) announced the decision after a meeting to discuss various instances of misuse of social media platforms by the staff.
The Education department’s administrative secretary, who chaired the meeting, directed all chief education officers to bring to the notice of the administration any such violation without fail in order to fix responsibility PTI reported.
The circular dated October 4 directed all employees of School Education department of the district to strictly adhere to the guidelines and refrain from “indulging in unwarranted debates and discussions and avoid sharing commenting or posting inappropriate content on social media platforms”. Such acts, the circular pointed out, amounts to interference in policy matters of the department.
Punishments for violations include censure, fine not exceeding one month’s pay, withholding increments and/or promotion, demotion, recovery from pay of the whole or part of any pecuniary loss caused to government by negligence or breach of orders, premature retirement and removal from the services of the state.
The circular pointed out that employees are not barred from using social media, and can use these platforms for “positive and constructive purposes”.
The circular has triggered a political row.
Pulwama MLA and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Para said the order stops people from “raising their voices”.
Slamming the government for issuing the order, Waheed said it should be revoked immediately.
Waheed claimed that the order is being widely condemned by journalists, civil society groups and political leaders for its authoritarian undertones.