SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir government, led by the National Conference, dismissed Bashir Ahmad Shah, the chief education officer for north Kashmir, following his issuance of a circular that cautioned teachers against making comments on policy matters via social media. The education secretary, Ram Niwas Sharma, ordered Shah’s reassignment to the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, which is pending an inquiry.
In the circular released on October 4, Shah noted that concerns had been raised by the education secretary during a review meeting regarding the misuse of social media by educational staff. The document cited the December 2017 social media guidelines, warning that violations could lead to severe disciplinary measures, including censure, fines of up to one month’s salary, withholding of increments or promotions, demotion, premature retirement, or termination of employment.
The circular emphasized that the guidelines were not intended to inhibit the constructive use of social media, but rather to advise staff against “unwarranted debates, discussions, or posting inappropriate content.” Established by the previous PDP-BJP coalition government, these guidelines specifically prohibit government employees from engaging in political discussions, criticizing government policies, or sharing political or communal content online.
PDP legislator Waheed Parra expressed criticism towards Shah’s circular, calling it “deeply concerning.” He stated, “In an already numb Jammu and Kashmir, this order warning teachers and staff against raising their voice is deeply concerning. A government that came to office on the promise of giving people a voice is now contributing to silencing the few remaining ones.”
In response, NC spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq remarked that the circular was aligned with the guidelines originally set by the PDP-BJP coalition in 2017, yet emphasized that the Omar Abdullah-led government still opted to remove Shah from his position.
