JK Govt dismisses services of PHE employee for involvement in NDPS case

Jammu|June,3 : Jammu and Kashmir government has dismissed the services of an employee of Public Health and Engineering Department (PHE) for his involvement in the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) case.
According to an order issued by Shaleen Kabra, Financial Commissioner, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, an employee posted as Khalasi (“Khalasi” refers to a Class IV employee, typically a helper or labourer, who assists with various tasks related to water supply and maintenance), in the PHE Division of Poonch, was found involved in NDPS case in connection with the recovery of 4 to 6 grams of Heroin-like substance from him following which he was arrested for narcotic-related crimes, and remained in judicial custody from September 14, 2024 to October 28, 2024. However, as per the order, the employee was placed under suspension by the Executive Engineer, PHE Division Poonch in terms of Rule 31 (2) of J&K Civil Service (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, from the date the official was arrested.
“Considering all the relevant facts on record, the Inquiry Officer has submitted the report alongwith recommendations,” read an order adding that the Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti (PHE) Jammu endorsed the recommendations of the Inquiry Officer against the employee and in light of the irrefutable evidence, Police investigations, arrest, custodial detention, and pending criminal trials, it is evident that the arrested employee was engaged in illegal narcotic activities and thus his continued association with the government is untenable and detrimental to public interest.
“The case of Khalasi, PHE Division Poonch was placed before the Competent Authority for acceptance of the report of the Inquiry Officer and the Competent Authority has, after due consideration, in exercise of the powers vested under Article 3 11(2) of the Constitution of India, decided to impose the penalty of dismissal from the service of the State which ordinarily disqualifies him from future employment, as his continued employment poses a grave risk to public welfare and erodes trust in government institutions,” it reads. “The PHE employee, a resident of Degwar Terwan, Tehsil Haveli District Poonch, working as Khalasi in Jal Shakti (PHE) Division Poonch, who currently was under suspension, was dismissed from service, with immediate effect. He is also disqualified from any future employment with the government,” read an order.