Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued fresh instructions on workplace conduct and professional decorum for government employees following an alleged incident of misconduct involving a senior IAS officer and a woman colleague. The government has warned employees against using derogatory, threatening or inappropriate language in official interactions.
The circular was issued after a video of an online review meeting went viral, triggering criticism of the administration. In the video, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan (IAS: 2010: AGMUT) is allegedly heard using derogatory language against Beenish Wani, a Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) woman officer.
The incident prompted the government to order an inquiry into the alleged misconduct.
Ranjan is currently serving as Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department.
J&K Government Reiterates Workplace Conduct Standards
Against this backdrop, the General Administration Department (GAD) issued a circular setting out expectations for conduct and professional decorum across the administration.
Citing the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, the circular reiterates that all officers and officials must uphold the highest standards of integrity, devotion to duty, discipline and conduct befitting a public servant.
The government has directed employees to ensure that official interactions are conducted with courtesy, restraint, dignity and mutual respect. The instructions underline the importance of maintaining professional behaviour in the workplace, irrespective of an employee’s rank or position.
Read also: IAS Officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan Faces Backlash from Political Leaders Across J&K Over Viral Video
Rules Apply Across All Levels of Administration
The circular makes clear that the prescribed standards apply equally to interactions between senior officers and their subordinates, officials of different ranks, and subordinate employees and their seniors.
The emphasis is on ensuring that professional disagreements or official reviews do not compromise the dignity and mutual respect expected in government workplaces.
The instructions are intended to reinforce established conduct requirements across departments and ensure that workplace interactions remain professional and appropriate.
Administrative Heads Told to Ensure Compliance
The GAD has directed all Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and Managing Directors to bring the instructions to the notice of employees under their administrative control.
These senior officials have also been asked to ensure strict compliance at all levels.
The fresh circular comes amid public scrutiny following the viral video and the inquiry into the alleged misconduct. It reiterates the government’s expectations of discipline, courtesy and professional conduct among public servants.
