Govt Employee Dismissed, 4 Others Suspended Over Poll Code Violation

PTK NEWS DESK 

SRINAGAR : The Jammu and Kashmir election department has dismissed a government employee and suspended four others for violating the Model Code of Conduct, officials announced on Sunday.

The prompt actions against these employees from various J&K departments were based on daily online reports from district election officers and offline complaints received by the office of the J&K Chief Electoral Officer, an official spokesperson stated.

“Four employees have been suspended, disciplinary action initiated against one, and another employee has been disengaged from services. Additionally, an inquiry has commenced against 34 employees,” the spokesperson said. The initiative aims to ensure free and fair general elections, in line with the Election Commission of India’s zero-tolerance policy on such violations.

Of the four suspended employees, two are from Kupwara, and one each from Ganderbal and Doda districts. An inquiry has been launched against these individuals.

“Disciplinary action has been recommended for one employee proven to be involved in political activities, while one chowkidar has been dismissed for similar reasons,” the spokesperson added.

A warning was issued to another employee who claimed ignorance of their violation, instructing them to remain cautious in the future.

Inquiries are ongoing against 34 employees, including six gazetted officers, with outcomes to be determined as per the Election Commission’s guidelines. The highest number of violations have been reported from Srinagar, followed by Kulgam and Rajouri, with Udhampur and Ganderbal also notable for violations. The lowest number of violations occurred in Kishtwar, Bandipora, Reasi, and Samba districts, the spokesperson reported.