IAS Officer Would Have Been Attached Pending Inquiry If J&K Were a State: CM Omar Abdullah

Srinagar, October 16 (PTK); Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has said that the senior IAS officer allegedly seen abusing a junior Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer would have been attached to the General Administration Department (GAD) pending an inquiry if Jammu and Kashmir had been a state.
In a post on X, Omar expressed concern over the alleged misconduct, stating that authorities responsible for exercising control over IAS officers must set an example and ensure that abusive and threatening behaviour is not ignored.
“Had J&K been a state, the IAS officer seen abusing a young JKAS officer would have been attached to the General Administration Department pending an inquiry into his conduct,” the Chief Minister wrote.
The remarks come amid controversy over a purported video circulating on social media that allegedly shows a senior IAS officer using abusive language against a woman JKAS officer during an official virtual meeting.
Omar said that the conduct of senior officers must meet the standards expected of their positions and stressed the need for accountability within the administration.
He also pointed out that, under the present Union Territory arrangement, control over IAS officers rests with Lok Bhavan. However, he said he had taken up the matter with the Chief Secretary in the strongest possible terms and directed that the junior JKAS officer should not face any retaliatory action.
The incident has triggered demands for accountability and an impartial inquiry, with the Chief Minister stressing that alleged abusive or threatening conduct must not be brushed under the carpet.(PTK)