J-K School Education Department Cracks Down on Staff Over Social Media Misuse

News Desk | October 5, 2025 | Breaking News, Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh | Follow on Google News

J-K School Education Department Cracks Down on Staff Over Social Media Misuse

SRINAGAR: The School Education Department (SED) has intensified action against both teaching and non-teaching staff for the alleged misuse of social media, warning of strict disciplinary measures.

Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla has issued a circular stating that the Secretary SED during a meeting convened on October 3 of 2025, intimated that various instances of misuse of Social Media platforms by teaching and non-teaching staff.

“The employees are suggesting or interfering in the policy matters of the department, which has been brought in the notice of the Secretary SED,” the circular reads.

It reads that the activities are purely in violation of circular instructions issued by the government vide Circular No. 09-JK (GAD) of 2023 dated March 24 of 2023.

“An elaborate set of guidelines regarding use of social media by the government employees have been notified for strict adherence and compliance vide Government Order No.1646-JK(GAD) of 2017 dated December 26 of 2017,” it reads.

It further reads that, during the meeting, Secretary SED directed all the CEOs bring into the notice of the Administration any such violation without fail in order to fix the responsibility and act under government instructions.

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The circular issued by CEO Baramulla states that the government order governing the situations envisages punishments like Censure, Fine not exceeding one month’s pay, withholding of increments and for promotion, reduction to a lower post or a lower time scale and a lower stage in time-scale.

“The punishment includes recovery from pay of the whole or part of any pecuniary loss caused to government by negligence or breach of orders,” the circular reads.

It reads that action like premature retirement on proportionate pension or removal from the services of the state which does not qualify from future employment can be taken against the employees over misuse of social media.

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“The employee can face dismissal from the service which ordinarily disqualifies from future employment,” it reads.

The CEO in its circular has clarified that the guidelines are not intended to dissuade employees from using social media for positive and constructive purposes.

“It is accordingly enjoined upon all the employees of SED, district Baramulla to strictly adhere to the guidelines and legal principles and refrain from indulging in unwarranted debates or discussions and sharing or commenting, posting inappropriate posts or content on social media platforms in order to avoid unfavourable circumstances,” the circular further reads…..(AGENCIES)