Authorities at Sher-i-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) – Kashmir have issued a directive prohibiting teaching and non-teaching employees from sharing disparaging views on social- media platforms.
According to a circular, employees are instructed to refrain from engaging on social media in ways that contravene Article 19(2) of the Constitution of India and the J&K Government Employees (Conduct) Rules of 1971. The circular notes that university staff frequently engage on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and WhatsApp in ways that violate these guidelines.
It specifically highlights that employees are barred from commenting on certain subjects, as per government guidelines issued under order number 1646-GD of 2017 and circular number 09 JK (GAD) of 2023. It has been observed that some employees remain active on social media even during office hours, posting sarcastic remarks that instigate indiscipline within the university.
All employees across various departments, faculties, divisions, centers, stations, units, and KVKs of the university are urged to strictly adhere to the guidelines and legal principles outlined in the government orders. They are advised to avoid engaging in unwarranted debates, discussions, or sharing and commenting on inappropriate content on social media.
The circular warns that violations of these guidelines will be considered misconduct and will result in disciplinary action against the administrators of social- media groups and offending employees. Administrators are instructed to shut down such platforms immediately and refrain from posting or sharing information that may harm the interests of the university.
