The Jammu and Kashmir Election Department has taken action against 40 government employees for breaching the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during the ongoing general elections.
The actions, detailed in a communiqué released on Sunday, 19 May, include the suspension of four employees, the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against one, and the disengagement of one employee from service.
Additionally, inquiries have commenced against 34 other employees.
These measures come in response to reports submitted daily by District Election Officers across various districts, as well as complaints received via the official email of the J&K Chief Electoral Officer. These complaints have been lodged by citizens, political party representatives, and members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
Suspensions have been issued for two employees in Kupwara, one in Ganderbal, and one in Doda district, with investigations already underway. Disciplinary action has been recommended for one employee found engaging in political activities, while a chowkidar has been dismissed from service for similar violations. An employee has been issued a warning to avoid future infractions after claiming the mistake was unintentional.
According to the communiqué, the highest number of violations were reported in Srinagar, followed by Kulgam and Rajouri. Udhampur and Ganderbal also saw significant violations, whereas Kishtwar, Bandipora, Reasi, and Samba reported the fewest infractions.