Srinagar, October 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has issued a circular reminding government employees to adhere to prescribed conduct rules and maintain professional decorum across all levels of administration.

The directive comes amid a controversy involving allegations that a senior IAS officer verbally abused a junior woman JKAS officer.

The General Administration Department, referring to Rule 3 of the Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees (Conduct) Rules, 1971, and other applicable service provisions, has stressed that all government employees must uphold integrity, dedication to duty, discipline and conduct befitting public servants.

The circular also emphasises the need for professionalism, courtesy and mutual respect in interactions with senior officers, colleagues, subordinate staff and members of the public.

It states that all official interactions must reflect dignity, restraint and fairness, irrespective of rank or position. Seniority and supervisory powers must be exercised responsibly, while employees are expected to respect lawful instructions, established procedures and the duties associated with their respective offices.

The government has further directed employees to refrain from using derogatory, threatening or inappropriate language and to avoid any behaviour that undermines the dignity of public office.

Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Heads of Departments and Managing Directors have been instructed to circulate the directions among employees under their administrative control and ensure strict compliance at every level.