CEO Baramulla attached for banning teachers from using social media: Minister Sakina Itoo

October 6, 2025 by News Desk

Minister for Education Sakina Itoo Monday strongly reacted to the attachment of Chief Education Officer (CEO) Baramulla, Bashir Ahmad Shah, who was relieved of his post after issuing an order restricting teachers and employees from using social media.

The minister told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the officer acted beyond his authority and attempted to defame the government through unilateral action.

“The said officer was attached because he had issued an order directing teachers and employees to desist from using social media on his own personal level,” Sakina Itoo said. “We won’t allow any government official to defame the government. Employees are our own, and they too have the right to express themselves in a constructive way.”

She said an inquiry has been ordered to determine why and how the CEO issued such an order without consulting the higher authorities. “He didn’t take anyone into confidence. I think he doesn’t have much work and instead indulged in defaming the government,” the minister remarked.

The controversy erupted after Bashir Ahmad Shah, In-charge CEO Baramulla, issued a circular asking school staff and employees to refrain from using social media platforms.

The directive, which resurfaced from 2014-style restrictions, drew criticism from teachers and officials, prompting swift action from the administration.

Officials from the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) confirmed that Shah has been attached to the Directorate pending a full inquiry into the matter.

The Education Department has clarified that no government employee should issue directives or circulars independently that affect staff rights without prior approval from competent authorities. [KNT]