JAMMU, Oct 25: The All J&K Non-Gazetted Horticulture Employees Union has strongly condemned the alleged misbehaviour and humiliation of a Horticulture Department employee from Budgam district by a district-level officer at Zawoora Farm during an official exposure visit organised for farmers.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Fayaz Ahmad Bhat, State President of the Union, expressed serious concern over the reported incident, stating that the employee was performing his official duties and accompanying farmers to familiarise them with modern horticultural practices when he was allegedly subjected to humiliating and disrespectful treatment in the presence of the visiting farmers.
Bhat said that such conduct, if established, was unacceptable and undermined the dignity, self-respect and morale of government employees. He added that public humiliation of an employee during an official programme could also affect the professional credibility of the Horticulture Department and weaken the confidence of the farming community.
Referring to General Administration Department Circular No. 24-JK(GAD) of 2026, dated October 16, Bhat emphasised that professionalism, discipline, courtesy and mutual respect must be maintained among government employees, irrespective of their rank or designation.
“Official authority must be exercised with responsibility, restraint and fairness. No employee should be subjected to humiliation or disrespect while performing legitimate official duties. Senior officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and lead by example,” he stated.
The Union president observed that exposure visits play an important role in disseminating technical knowledge, promoting modern horticultural practices and strengthening coordination between departmental officials and farmers. He said that any instance of misconduct during such programmes, if substantiated, would defeat their purpose and adversely affect the working environment and public confidence.
Expressing solidarity with the affected employee, Bhat assured him of the Union’s support in protecting his dignity, rights and professional interests.
The Union has urged the competent higher authorities to take immediate cognisance of the matter and order a fair, transparent and impartial inquiry. It has also called for statements from the affected employee, accompanying farmers and other eyewitnesses to be recorded to establish the facts.
The Union further demanded appropriate action under the applicable service rules if the allegations are substantiated, along with preventive measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur.
Bhat also appealed to the General Administration Department and the concerned Administrative Department to ensure effective implementation of the applicable conduct rules and the recently issued circular.
Emphasising the need for a respectful administrative work culture, he said that government employees were integral to public service delivery and that safeguarding their morale and professional dignity was essential for the efficient functioning of every department.
“The dignity of an employee is not a matter of favour or discretion; it is a fundamental aspect of a fair and professional workplace. Respect must be mutual, accountability must be impartial, and professional conduct must be upheld at every level of administration,” Bhat concluded.