J&K Govt Warns Education Staff Against Misuse of Social Media

Baramulla, Oct 5 : The Jammu and Kashmir government has issued a strict warning to employees of the School Education Department, including teachers and non-teaching staff, against the misuse of social media platforms for commenting on or interfering in government policy matters.

The directive, issued through Circular No. 295-CEO of 2025 dated October 4, 2025, by the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla, follows instructions from the Secretary, School Education Department, who during a review meeting held on October 3 expressed concern over several instances of government employees posting or commenting on departmental decisions and policies.

The circular notes that such activities are a clear violation of the government’s earlier guidelines issued under Circular No. 09-JK(GAD) of 2023 dated 24-03-2023 and Government Order No. 1646-JK(GAD) of 2017 dated 26-12-2017, which regulate the use of social media by government employees.

It further directs that any violation of these rules should be immediately reported to the administration so that responsibility can be fixed and disciplinary action taken under government service conduct laws.

The order explicitly mentions that violators are liable to face any of the following punishments:

1. Censure.

2. Fine not exceeding one month’s pay.

3. Withholding of increments and/or promotion.

4. Reduction to a lower post, lower time scale, or a lower stage in the time scale.

5. Recovery from pay of the whole or part of any pecuniary loss caused to the Government by negligence or breach of orders.

6. Premature retirement on proportionate pension.

7. Removal from service, which disqualifies the employee from future government employment.

8. Dismissal from service, which ordinarily disqualifies the person from any future government employment.

The circular clarifies that the guidelines are not intended to discourage positive or constructive use of social media by employees or departments. However, it cautions all staff members to avoid unwarranted debates, discussions, or inappropriate posts/comments that may invite disciplinary action.

All Principals, Zonal Education Officers and Headmasters have been directed to circulate the instructions among their staff and ensure strict compliance. The order concludes with a warning that employees must adhere to official communication protocols and exercise restraint to avoid “unfavourable circumstances.”

Copies of the order have been sent to the Director School Education Kashmir and other relevant offices for information and necessary action.