SRINAGAR: Education Minister Sakina Itoo on Monday condemned the actions of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla, Bashir Ahmad Shah, who was attached after issuing a circular barring teachers and staff from using social media.
The minister said Shah had acted “beyond his authority” and attempted to “defame the government through unilateral action.”“The officer issued the order on his own. We will not allow anyone to malign the government’s image.
Employees also have the right to express themselves constructively,” Itoo stated.An inquiry has been ordered to determine why the CEO issued the directive without approval from higher authorities.
The controversy began when Shah circulated an order asking school staff to avoid social media use — a move reminiscent of earlier restrictions that drew widespread criticism.Officials from the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) confirmed that Shah has been attached to the Directorate pending inquiry.
The department emphasized that no government official is authorized to issue directives affecting staff rights without prior clearance from competent authorities.
