SED bars officials from making unauthorised visits to offices during working hours

Posted by admin_kas on 2025-06-02 22:41:27 |

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Cites disruption to academic activities, warns delinquent officials of disciplinary action

Muhammad Adnan 

Srinagar, June 02: The Jammu and Kashmir School Education Department (SED) has barred its officers and officials from visiting the Administrative Department, Directorates, and other offices during working hours without prior approval from their controlling officers.

The move comes after the department observed a growing trend of officers frequently making unauthorised visits to higher offices including the Directorate of School Education Kashmir and Jammu,  offices of Chief Education Officers (CEOs), Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), and the Project Director, Samagra Shiksha.

As per the fresh circular instructions issued by Deputy Secretary SED, the department has said such practice not only amounts to a serious violation of the J&K Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, but also adversely impacts the academic activities in schools "which is the prime objective of this department."

The department has taken strong exception to the practice of officers and officials forming groups to collectively advocate for personal issues of their colleagues at administrative offices.

"Such practice is unbecoming of any government official and this unwarranted and unacceptable practice in the department has been viewed seriously by the authorities," the circular reads.

To curb the practice and to streamline the procedure besides ensuring proper discipline in the visits by the government officials of SED, the  Administrative department has issued strict instructions for the officers to be followed in letter and spirit.

As per the instructions, officers and officials who have obtained prior permission from their controlling officers have been asked to only visit the Civil Secretariat or administrative offices between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM on working days.

"Those who intend to visit the Directorate of School Education (Kashmir/Jammu), Project Directorates under Samagra Shiksha, CEO offices, and ZEO offices must obtain permission from their concerned controlling authority and visit the office between 3pm to 4pm," the circular reads.

As per the circular instructions, the department has warned the officers  of disciplinary action, as per rules, against the delinquent officers and officials for any violation of the guidelines.

"Any violation of these instructions will be treated as gross misconduct and indiscipline inviting disciplinary proceedings under relevant service rules against delinquent officers," the circular reads.