Srinagar, Oct 16 (GNS): Amid the controversy over a senior IAS officer allegedly abusing a junior woman JKAS officer, the Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday issued a circular on observance of prescribed standards of conduct and professional decorum at all levels of administration.

As per Circular issued by the General Administration Department, in terms of Rule 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, read with the other service-specific provisions, all officers and officials are expected to maintain the highest standards of integrity, devotion to duty, discipline and conduct becoming of a public servant.

“Employees are further expected to maintain professionalism, courtesy and mutual respect in their interactions with seniors, colleagues, subordinate staff and the public,” the circular reads.

“In view of the foregoing, all employees are enjoined upon to ensure that official interactions are conducted with due courtesy, restraint, dignity and mutual respect. This shall be applicable equally to interactions between superior officers and their subordinates, between officers and officials of different ranks and between subordinate employees and their seniors. Seniority and supervisory authority shall be exercised with responsibility and fairness, while all officers and officials shall extend due regard to lawful directions, established procedures and the responsibilities attached to the offices. The use of derogatory, threatening or otherwise inappropriate language, as well as conduct inconsistent with the dignity of office, shall be avoided,” it said.

All Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments, Managing Directors etc. shall bring these instructions to the notice of employees under their administrative control and ensure their strict observance at all levels, the circular added.(GNS)