• NCW seeks impartial inquiry and action-taken report within seven days
• CM flags retaliation concerns, takes up matter with Chief Secretary
• GAD warns officials against derogatory language, stresses professional conduct
Srinagar|Oct, 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday ordered an inquiry into alleged misconduct by a senior IAS officer towards a woman officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS), as the controversy prompted intervention by the National Commission for Women (NCW), a response from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and a government advisory on official conduct.
The General Administration Department (GAD) appointed Mandeep Kour, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, to conduct an in-depth inquiry into allegations against Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, Administrative Secretary, Labour and Employment Department. The inquiry has been asked to submit its report within 15 days. Amit Vermani, Additional Secretary, GAD, has been appointed presenting officer.
The inquiry follows the circulation of an audio-video clip showing an exchange between Ranjan and Beenish Wani, an Assistant Director in the Employment Department, during a review of Mission YUVA on October 14. The footage triggered criticism from political leaders and calls for action over the language allegedly used by the senior officer.
The allegations are to be examined through the government-ordered inquiry.
The NCW has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and written to the Chief Secretary, seeking verification of the video, an impartial inquiry and appropriate disciplinary or legal action if the allegations are established. It has sought an action-taken report within seven days.
The commission also called for safeguards against workplace harassment, victimisation and professional retaliation, and sought protection and support for the woman officer.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said he had taken up the matter with the Chief Secretary and directed that no retaliatory action be taken against the JKAS officer.
In posts on X, Omar said the conduct visible in the video fell short of the standards expected of a senior IAS officer. He also raised concerns over alleged subsequent threats against the woman officer, saying the matter should not be brushed aside.
The Chief Minister said that, had Jammu and Kashmir been a state, the officer would have been attached to the General Administration Department pending an inquiry. He added that control over IAS officers in the Union Territory rested with Lok Bhavan.
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah also criticised the language used in the exchange, calling it inappropriate for a senior civil servant. He said public officials were expected to listen to people’s concerns and resolve their problems rather than humiliate them.
Peoples Democratic Party president Mehbooba Mufti urged the Chief Minister to take up the issue with the Union Government and seek strict action. Peoples Conference president and Handwara MLA Sajad Gani Lone described the incident as more than workplace bullying and praised the woman officer for standing her ground.
Separately, the GAD issued a circular directing government employees to maintain professionalism, courtesy and mutual respect in their interactions with seniors, colleagues, subordinates and the public.
Citing Rule 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, the circular said employees must uphold integrity, discipline and conduct befitting public servants. It cautioned against derogatory, threatening or inappropriate language and said supervisory authority must be exercised responsibly and fairly.
The instructions have been circulated to Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, heads of departments and managing directors for compliance.
