Public Official Fired for Political Post on DC's Official X Handle, Igniting Debate on Neutrality

In a swift and decisive move, the Sangrur District Public Relations Office (DPRO) has terminated a junior assistant for allegedly uploading a politically charged post from the official X (formerly Twitter) handle of Deputy Commissioner Jitendra Jorwal. The incident has sent ripples through government circles, underscoring the strict code of conduct expected from public servants.

The official, identified as Bhagwant Singh, who worked as a data entry operator, was dismissed on Monday, September 18, following an internal inquiry.

The controversy erupted when a post appeared on DC Jorwal's official X account on September 15, endorsing Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and explicitly soliciting votes for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Such a political overture from a government official's handle is a direct violation of service rules.

Deputy Commissioner Jorwal immediately initiated an inquiry into the matter, acknowledging the seriousness of the breach.

During the investigation, Bhagwant Singh admitted to uploading the controversial post. He reportedly attributed his action to an "inadvertent mistake," a claim that did not deter the disciplinary action.

Jorwal, addressing the media, reiterated the imperative for government officials to maintain strict political neutrality.

"Government employees are duty-bound to remain apolitical," he stated firmly. "No government official is permitted to either endorse or campaign for any political party. This is a fundamental tenet of our conduct rules, and any deviation will be met with serious consequences."

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the Punjab Government Employee (Conduct) Rules, 1966, which explicitly prohibit government employees from engaging in political activities.

Official social media handles, particularly those of high-ranking district officials like the Deputy Commissioner, are designated solely for disseminating government-related information, public announcements, and administrative updates, not for political propaganda.

Sources within the DPRO revealed that officials had previously been cautioned against misusing official communication channels.

This termination sends a clear message across the administrative machinery: political neutrality is non-negotiable, and the misuse of official platforms for partisan purposes will not be tolerated. The swift action taken in this case is a testament to the government's commitment to upholding the integrity and impartiality of its services.