CHO Baramulla orders probe; four-member panel formed, Rs 200 fine imposed for alleged COTPA violation
Waris Fayaz
Baramulla, Jul 20 :
The Chief Horticulture Officer (CHO), Baramulla, has suspended a horticulture official with immediate effect over alleged misconduct and unprofessional behaviour during an online meeting held on Monday.
According to an official order, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Hafizullah Khan, Incharge Horticulture Technician Grade-IV of Horticulture Zone Nihalpora, has been placed under suspension pending an enquiry into his alleged conduct during the online meeting held on July 20.
The order states that during the suspension period, the official will remain attached to the office of the Incharge Fruit Plant Nursery, Sundri.
Besides the suspension, the department has imposed a fine of Rs 200 on the official under Section 4 of the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003, for allegedly violating the prohibition on smoking in a public place.
Meanwhile, the CHO has constituted a four-member enquiry committee to investigate the matter and submit its findings along with recommendations.
The committee will be headed by District Horticulture Officer, Baramulla, Jagjit Singh. Horticulture Development Officer, Bomai, Abdul Hamid Khan; Horticulture Development Officer, Pattan, Muzamil Rasool; and Head Assistant Farooq Ahmad Hajam will serve as members.
The committee has been directed to conduct a detailed enquiry into the allegations and submit its report with recommendations for further action—(KNO)