Swift Action Taken Against 40 Government Employees for Election Code Violations in J&K.
||Black and White Digital News||
||Tejveer Singh May 20, 2024||
**Srinagar** – In a decisive move to uphold the integrity of the electoral process, the Jammu and Kashmir Election Department has taken stringent action against 40 government employees for violating the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the ongoing general elections.
According to a communiqué released on Sunday, four employees have been suspended, one has faced disciplinary action, another has been disengaged from services, and inquiries have been initiated against 34 others. These actions come in response to reports from District Election Officers and complaints from the public, political parties, and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) via the official email of the J&K Chief Electoral Officer.
The swift response underscores the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) zero-tolerance policy towards MCC violations, ensuring that the elections are conducted in a free and fair manner.
**District-Wise Disciplinary Actions:**
Kupwara: Two employees have been suspended and are under inquiry.
Ganderbal: One employee has been suspended
.
Doda: One employee has been suspended.
Disciplinary action has been recommended for one employee proven to be involved in political activities.A chowkidar has been disengaged and dismissed from services for similar reasons.
Another employee has received a warning after pleading ignorance, promising to avoid future infractions.
Ongoing Inquiries:
Inquiries are underway against 34 employees, including six gazetted officers. These investigations will be thorough and conclusive, following ECI’s directives.
Geographical Breakdown of Violations:
Highest Violations:Srinagar
Second Highest:Kulgam and Rajouri
Third Highest:Udhampur and Ganderbal
Lowest Violations:Kishtwar, Bandipora, Reasi, and Samba.
This proactive approach by the Election Department not only highlights the robust monitoring mechanisms in place but also sends a strong message about the commitment to electoral fairness and transparency.
*Ensuring Electoral Integrity*
The actions taken against these government employees demonstrate the administration’s dedication to maintaining a level playing field during the elections. By swiftly addressing violations, the Election Department aims to deter future infractions and preserve public trust in the electoral process.
*Public and Institutional Vigilance*
The involvement of district officials and the responsiveness to public and institutional complaints highlight the collaborative effort required to safeguard democracy. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical role that transparency and accountability play in the governance of electoral processes.
**Conclusion**
As inquiries proceed and further actions are taken, the Jammu and Kashmir Election Department remains vigilant in its efforts to ensure that the principles of fair play and impartiality are upheld throughout the election period. This resolute stance on MCC violations is a testament to the department’s commitment to democratic values and the rule of law.
The crackdown on misconduct within the government workforce is a pivotal step in reinforcing the sanctity of the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir. By setting a precedent for accountability, the Election Department is paving the way for more robust democratic practices in the region.
