Srinagar, July 04, KDC: The Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) has issued a circular outlining guidelines for social media use by its employees.
The circular according to Srinagar-based news gathering agency Kashmir Dot Com expresses concerns about staff expressing critical viewpoints and engaging in online debates. It also warns against activity that could “harm the interests of the University.”
“It has been observed that University employees (both teaching and Non-teaching staff) often engage themselves with social media in a manner which is in contravention to the Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India as well as the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules. 1971. While using different social media platforms like Facebook. Twitter. Instagram etc. or instant messaging applications like Whatsapp. Telegram ete: employees have been seen to air disparaging views on subjects that they are expressly barred under rules to comment upon,” reads a circular issued by Registrar, Prof. T.H. Masoodi vide University circular No: AU/Adm/Est/8068-8117.
“Employees have been seen to comment or act or behave in a manner that does not conform to the acceptable standards of official conduct, as envisaged in the Government guidelines issued vide Government Order No. 1646-GD of 2017 dated 26-12-2017 read with Circular No 09-JK(GAD) of 2023 dated 24-03-2023. Some of the employees (Teaching/Non- teaching)remain active and busy even during the office hours on these social media groups and post sarcastic remarks thus instigate indiscipline in the University.”
“It is, accordingly, enjoined upon all employees working in various Directorates/Faculties/ Divisions/Centers /Stations/Units and KVKs ete. of this University to strictly adhere to the guidelines and legal principles containing in ibid Government orders and refrain from indulging in unwarranted debates /discussions and sharing/commenting /posting inappropriate posts /content on social media platforms. Violation of guidelines /rules shall tantamount to misconduct and invite disciplinary action against the Admin’s of the group and delinquent official under the relevant rules.”
“To abide by the above referred to guidelines, admins of these groups are instructed to shut all such platforms forthwith and refrain from posting sharing any information that may harm the interests of the University,” the circular further added. (KDC)
