Srinagar, Oct 16 (KNS): Senior PDP leader and trade unionist Mohd Rafique Rather has strongly condemned the alleged humiliating treatment of a woman JKAS officer by IAS Rajeev Ranjan during an online meeting, calling the conduct "unacceptable" and contrary to the dignity and ethics of public service.
In a statement issued here, Rather urged Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to take cognisance of the incident and initiate appropriate action if the allegations are established. He asserted that no officer, irrespective of rank or seniority, should be allowed to undermine the dignity, self-respect and professional standing of colleagues.
Rather said threatening an officer with suspension or dismissal in such a manner is "unacceptable and unjustified", and that such intimidation and misuse of administrative authority must be checked immediately. Disciplinary powers, he stressed, should be exercised strictly in accordance with established rules and procedures, "not as instruments of intimidation or humiliation."
Referring to reports surrounding the woman officer's earlier alleged involvement in a gun licence case and other reported allegations, Rather said such matters warrant due scrutiny by competent authorities.
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Expressing concern over a broader administrative culture, the PDP leader said similar complaints of high-handedness are being witnessed in several districts, where some newly appointed IAS officers allegedly treat subordinate employees "as if they were domestic help rather than government servants working together to serve the people."
"Administrative authority is a responsibility, not a licence to humiliate or intimidate others. Every government employee deserves dignity and respect, irrespective of rank or seniority. The civil services must be guided by professionalism, accountability and mutual respect," Rather said.
He appealed to the Lieutenant Governor to ensure appropriate mechanisms are put in place to prevent the misuse of official authority and safeguard the dignity of government employees, emphasising that discipline in administration must go hand in hand with courtesy, fairness and respect for every individual. (KNS)
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