J&K Govt Issues Strict Conduct Advisory After Alleged Misbehaviour by IAS Officer

 SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a strong advisory to all officers and officials, directing them to uphold professional decorum and maintain the highest standards of conduct in official interactions.

The move comes in the backdrop of a controversy triggered by allegations that an IAS officer behaved inappropriately with a subordinate woman official during a virtual meeting—an incident that has sparked widespread concern within administrative circles.

In a detailed directive issued through Circular No. 24-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated October 16, the General Administration Department (GAD) reminded government employees that public service demands integrity, discipline and behaviour befitting the dignity of office. Citing Rule 3 of the J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, along with other service-specific provisions, the circular underscores that every employee—regardless of rank—must demonstrate courtesy, restraint and mutual respect in all official dealings.

The government has stressed that professional conduct is not optional but a foundational requirement. The circular notes that interactions between senior officers and subordinates, colleagues of different ranks and even between junior staff and their seniors must reflect dignity and respect. Seniority, it says, must be exercised responsibly, without intimidation or misuse of authority, while subordinates are expected to follow lawful directions and established procedures.

The advisory explicitly warns against the use of derogatory, threatening or otherwise inappropriate language in official communication, whether verbal or written. Any behaviour inconsistent with the decorum of public office, it states, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

To ensure compliance, the GAD has instructed all Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, heads of departments and managing directors to circulate the directive widely and enforce its provisions strictly. The government’s message is clear-- maintaining a respectful and professional administrative environment is essential, and lapses—especially those that undermine the safety or dignity of employees—will be dealt with firmly.