In elected Government, employees have democratic right to raise their issues: Sakina Itoo
Srinagar, Oct 6: The Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo, Monday said government employees have a democratic right to raise concerns regarding their services, but any directives barring them from speaking or using social media must follow proper protocol.
Her remarks came hours after the J&K School Education Department (SED) attached the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla to the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) with immediate effect.
The CEO was attached two days after issuing a circular warning teaching and non-teaching employees against “misuse” of social media platforms. The circular, dated October 3, 2025, stated that the Secretary SED had noted instances where employees were “suggesting or interfering in the policy matters of the department.”
Two days later, the CEO was removed from his post and attached to the DSEK. The order, signed by Secretary SED Ram Niwas Sharma, read:
“Pending inquiry, Bashir Ahmad Shah, in-charge CEO Baramulla, is hereby attached in the Directorate of School Education Kashmir with immediate effect. CEO Bandipora shall hold the charge of the post of CEO Baramulla and Principal DIET Sopore, till further orders.”
Speaking to Greater Kashmir, Sakina Itoo said the CEO acted “on his own” in issuing the circular, which barred employees from using social media. “The order banning government employees from using social media was issued during the PDP regime in 2017 and later during LG rule in 2023. But the Baramulla CEO issued this circular independently, creating the impression that it came from the government,” she said.
“Baramulla CEO has been attached as no officer can be allowed to bring disrepute to the elected government,” Itoo added. She emphasized that while government employees have the democratic right to raise issues and vote during elections, they must do so “within limits.”
She further explained that such orders cannot be issued under an elected government. “This type of directive was issued during the LG rule in 2023 and earlier in 2017 during the PDP regime. Such orders cannot be issued now,” she said.
Itoo also cited a prior instance earlier this year when the officer issued instructions during a war-like situation, announcing school closures and creating panic. “During that time, he issued certain instructions that schools would remain closed, causing panic among the masses, for which he was criticized,” she said.
The CEO’s circular, dated October 4, 2025, referenced Government Order No. 1646-JK(GAD) of 2017 (dated December 26, 2017) and Circular No. 09-JK(GAD) of 2023 (dated March 24, 2023), which provide guidelines on social media use by government employees. The circular described misuse of social media by teaching and non-teaching staff as a violation of these instructions.
Sakina Itoo reiterated that the CEO’s attachment was necessary to maintain the integrity of the elected government. “CEO Baramulla issued the circular without taking consent from higher authorities. Officers cannot act independently in ways that discredit the administration,” she said.
