Executive Engineer R&B Handwara Accused of Undertaking ‘Unauthorised’ Foreign Travel; Citizens Raise Clamour for Action

Alfaaz – The Words Desk

Handwara: In what can be seen as a serious breach of laid down government Service Rules, the incumbent Executive Engineer of Roads & Buildings (R&B), division Handwara, Farooq Ahmad Shah has allegedly undertaken a foreign trip without prior authorisation or approval from any competent government authority.

The ‘unauthorised’ travel taken by the government official for Hajj pilgrimage, has triggered widespread criticism from local residents, civil society members, and transparency activists.

Under the established rules, all government employees are mandated to seek prior sanction from the General Administration Department (GAD), or allied authorities before proceeding on any foreign travel, whether personal or religious. Non-compliance to the requirement constitutes violation of Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services Conduct Rules, and may warrant disciplinary action, including suspension and departmental enquiry.

Sources within R&B Department told Alfaaz – The Words that Mr. Shah proceeded “without obtaining necessary administrative clearance”. The matter has raised serious concerns about procedural lapses, oversight failures and overall enforcement of Service Rules within the (R&B) department.

Citizens in Handwara have in the meantime expressed resentment, labelling the act a “blatant misuse of official privilege by Mr. Shah.”

Social media platforms and local forums have been abuzz with demands for accountability, with many arguing that such conduct undermines the integrity of public institutions and sets a troubling precedent.

What makes the situation even more alarming is that the official in question is already facing a case for Disproportionate Assets registered by the J&K Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) North Kashmir, vide number 18/2022 which further intensifies public concerns about the official’s conduct.

“When a public servant flouts rules so openly, it sends a wrong message to other employees and to the general public. Rules must apply equally to all, regardless of rank or background,” said a local social activist, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Several citizens have urged the Government to take immediate cognizance of the matter. They have called for an independent inquiry and stringent action as warranted under law.

Observers note that this incident is not isolated, but rather symptomatic of a broader culture of administrative impunity. Many are calling for systemic reforms to strengthen accountability mechanisms within the bureaucracy.

Technically, if confirmed, Shah’s actions would be in direct contravention of Jammu & Kashmir Civil Services Conduct Rules (which strictly mandates prior government approval for any form of foreign travel undertaken by public servants).

As of now, the R&B Department has not issued any official statement regarding the matter. However, sources indicate that the matter is already under preliminary review and may be escalated to higher authorities for necessary action thereof.