Srinagar, October 16 (KDC): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a fresh circular directing all officers and officials to maintain professional decorum, mutual respect and discipline in official interactions, days after a controversy involving the alleged misconduct of an IAS officer towards a woman JKAS officer triggered public attention.
The General Administration Department (GAD), through Circular No. 24-JK(GAD) of 2026 dated October 16, a copy of which is in the possession of news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), has reiterated the need for government employees to uphold the highest standards of integrity, devotion to duty and conduct expected of public servants.
The circular, issued by Commissioner/Secretary to the Government M. Raju, IAS, refers to Rule 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, and emphasises professionalism, courtesy and mutual respect in dealings with senior officers, colleagues, subordinate staff and members of the public.
It states that official interactions must be conducted with courtesy, restraint, dignity and mutual respect, making clear that these standards apply equally to interactions between superior officers and subordinates, officials of different ranks, and employees dealing with their seniors.
The government has further stressed that seniority and supervisory authority must be exercised responsibly and fairly, while officers and officials are expected to respect lawful directions, established procedures and the responsibilities attached to their offices.
The circular specifically states that the use of derogatory, threatening or otherwise inappropriate language, as well as conduct inconsistent with the dignity of public office, must be avoided.
All Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and Managing Directors have been directed to bring the instructions to the notice of employees under their administrative control and ensure strict compliance at all levels.
The circular comes amid heightened attention over an alleged incident involving an IAS officer and a woman JKAS officer. The National Commission for Women has taken suo motu cognisance of a viral video linked to the controversy and sought a report from the authorities within seven days.
While the circular does not explicitly refer to the incident, its emphasis on professional conduct, respectful communication and responsible exercise of supervisory authority comes against the backdrop of the controversy.
The instructions have been circulated to senior government functionaries, including the Director General of Police, all Deputy Commissioners, Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments, for implementation across the administration. (KDC)
