Appointment of retired Joint Director raises questions as CM’s directive on enforcing complete ban appears overlooked
Srinagar 30 Dec(KNB): According to reliable sources, a retired Joint Director, who is also the brother-in-law of the Hon’ble Speaker of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, has been appointed as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Speaker, raising questions over adherence to the government’s stated policy on re-employment of retired officers.
Sources said the appointment has been made despite clear directions from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to the General Administration Department (GAD) to enforce a complete ban on the re-employment, extension, or assignment of additional charges to retired officers.
However, as per GAD Order No. 1424-JK(GAD) of 2025, sanction has been accorded to the appointment of Mr. Bashir Ahmad (Rtd.) as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) with the Hon’ble Speaker of the Legislative Assembly on a contractual basis, subject to specified terms and conditions.
Sources further claimed that the retired officer has been working with the Speaker for nearly a year. However, they added that no formal or official joining order has reportedly been received by the Secretary to the Speaker, which has added to the ambiguity surrounding the appointment.
Official clarification from the GAD or the Speaker’s office was awaited at the time of filing this report.(KNB)