Govt official suspended for indulging in political activities in J-K

A government official was suspended and an inquiry was ordered against him after he was found indulging in political activities in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said Wednesday.

Deputy Commissioner (Kishtwar) Angrez Singh Rana, who is also the district election officer, ordered the action against Raj Kumar Badyal, the junior engineer of Roads and Buildings Department after a video purportedly showing him delivering a political speech went viral on social media, the officials said.

In his order, Rana termed the conduct of the accused as gross violation of provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1971.

He said a government official is required to maintain neutrality and should not indulge in any activity which is unwarranted.

In view of the upcoming urban local bodies polls, Rana advised all the employees to strictly adhere to the model code of conduct and warned that if any employee is found involved in any type of political activity, he would be dealt strictly under the rules and no leniency would be provided, the officials said.

Additional District Development Commissioner (Kishtwar) Imam Din has been appointed as inquiry officer in the matter who has been asked to conduct discreet probe regarding the misconduct shown by erring junior engineer, the officials said.