Four teachers suspended for ‘forwarding’ political messages on Whatsapp

Suhail Rather

BANDIPORA, MARCH 30: District election officer Bandipora on Saturday suspended four teachers of the district for allegedly violating the Model Code of Conduct.

          Two Teachers from Gurez- Azharudin Lone of Middle School Grathnalla and Muhammad Yousuf Khan of Khan Mohallah Tulail and Showkat Hussain Sheikh Teacher GMS Pehlipora Malangam, of Quil Zone Bandipora have been suspended for campaigning in favor of their former trade union leader. Officials said the teachers had forwarded several messages on unregistered whatsapp groups.

In another order issued by DEO Bandipora, a ReT teacher, Ghulam Qadir posted in primary school Kudara, Bandipora was also suspended for violating the model code of conduct.

          The teachers according to officials had forwarded messages in several Whats App groups endorsing the political views of People’s Democratic Party Parliamentary candidate from Baramulla Abdul Qayoom Wani.  The former Trade Union leader, Wani is former President of JK Teachers Forum and Employees Joint Action Committee.

          After the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) received the complaint, it was established that all the teachers were found involved in violation of Model Code of Conduct. “Pending enquiry into the matter, the following teachers are hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect,” reads the order issued by DEO Bandipora.

          DEO also directed the Additional District Development Commissioner Bandipora to conduct a detailed inquiry into the conduct of both the officers and has asked him to submit his report with the recommendation for taking further disciplinary action against them under law. Both the officers have been attached with the office of Additional District Development Commissioner Bandipora.

          Earlier two officers including Chief Medical Officer Bandipora and Block Medical Officer Bandipora were put under suspension after receiving complaint against them with visual evidence for violating Model Code of Code and misconduct under service rules.

 The District Election Officer has instructed the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Bandipora to sensitize the officials of the department to refrain for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Meanwhile Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC) Bandipora has issued a fresh circular asking government employees to adhere to the guidelines issued by Government from time to time with regard to the usage of social Media. “The Government Employees shall not use their personal social media accounts for any political activity nor endorsing the posts or tweets or blogs or whatsapp messages of any political party or political figure,” reads the circular. “Any violation of the MCC and non-compliance of government orders shall be viewed seriously and strict action shall be initiated as warranted under rules”.