Baramulla, Oct 5: The Chief Education Officer Baramulla has issued a strict circular warning government school staff against misuse of social media platforms, following directions from the School Education Secretary during a review meeting held on October 3.
In an official order issued by CEO Baramulla, states that several instances have surfaced where teaching and non-teaching staff allegedly interfered in policy matters of the department through social media, violating existing government guidelines.
CEO has reminded staff that such conduct breaches Circular No. 09-JK(GAD) of 2023 and Government Order No. 1646-JK(GAD) of 2017, which regulate social media use by government employees.
Officers have been directed to report every violation to the administration without fail so that responsibility can be fixed and disciplinary action taken accordingly.
The circular lists the punishments violators may face, including censure, fine up to one month’s salary, withholding of increments or promotion, demotion, recovery of financial loss, premature retirement, removal from service, and dismissal with disqualification from future employment.
The CEO clarified that while constructive and positive use of social media is not discouraged, employees must avoid posting, commenting, debating or sharing inappropriate or policy-related content.
All staff of the School Education Department in Baramulla district have been instructed to follow the guidelines strictly to avoid unfavourable consequences. (KNC)