Jammu, 24 October (H.S.): Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, State President, All J&K Non-Gazetted Horticulture Employees Union, has strongly condemned the alleged misbehaviour and humiliation of a Horticulture Department employee from District Budgam by the District Officer at Zawoora Farm during an official exposure visit accompanied by a group of farmers. According to reports, the employee was performing official duties and accompanying farmers on an exposure visit intended to enhance their knowledge of modern horticultural practices when he was allegedly subjected to humiliating and disrespectful treatment by the concerned officer in the presence of the visiting farmers.

Expressing serious concern, Bhat stated that humiliating an employee in front of farmers not only undermines the dignity, self-respect and morale of the individual but also damages the credibility and professional image of the entire Horticulture Department before the farming community.

He termed the allegations particularly disturbing in view of the recently issued General Administration Department Circular No. 24-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated 16.10.2026, which reiterates the obligation of government officers and officials to maintain professionalism, courtesy, discipline and mutual respect.

The circular, issued in terms of Rule 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, read with other applicable service provisions, emphasizes that all officers and officials must maintain the highest standards of integrity, devotion to duty and conduct befitting public servants, including respectful behaviour towards seniors, colleagues, subordinate staff and the general public.

Bhat expressed concern that despite these clear instructions, allegations of humiliation and disrespect towards subordinate employees continue to surface. It is unfortunate that even after the General Administration Department has issued explicit directions regarding professional conduct and mutual respect, such incidents are being reported. Government circulars must not remain confined to official files but should be implemented in letter and spirit at every administrative level, Bhat stated. He further emphasized that exposure visits are organized to strengthen the relationship between the Horticulture Department and the farming community.

Public humiliation of an employee during such an official programme, if established, defeats the very purpose of these initiatives and adversely affects the confidence of both employees and farmers. No officer, irrespective of rank or designation, has the right to humiliate or disrespect an employee. Administrative authority carries responsibility and accountability, not the privilege of undermining someone's dignity. Senior officers should lead by example through professionalism, maturity and respectful conduct, he added. On behalf of the All J&K Non-Gazetted Horticulture Employees Union, Bhat expressed full solidarity with the affected employee and assured him of the Union's support.

He urged the concerned higher authorities to take immediate cognizance of the allegations and order a fair, transparent and impartial inquiry, including the recording of statements from the affected employee, accompanying farmers and other eyewitnesses. He further demanded that appropriate action be taken in accordance with the applicable service rules if the allegations are established, and that effective measures be adopted to prevent similar incidents in the future. Bhat also appealed to the General Administration Department and the Administrative Department concerned to ensure strict implementation of the recently issued circular and safeguard the dignity, self-respect and professional standing of all government employees. Government employees are the backbone of public service delivery.

Their dignity must be protected, their morale must be strengthened, and their legitimate official duties must be performed in an atmosphere of mutual respect and cooperation, he asserted. Concluding his statement, Bhat reiterated: An employee's dignity is not a privilege granted by a superior officer; it is a right that must be respected and protected. Respect must be mutual, accountability must apply to every rank, and no officer is above the principles of professional conduct.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Krishan Kumar