NCW Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of IAS Officer’s Alleged Abuse of JKAS Woman Officer, Seeks Report in 7 Days
Srinagar, KNT: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has taken suo motu cognizance of the viral video allegedly showing senior IAS officer Kumar Rajeev Ranjan verbally abusing, humiliating and threatening junior woman officer Beenish Wani during an official review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir.
NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has written to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir seeking verification of the video, an impartial inquiry and appropriate disciplinary and legal action if the allegations are established. The Commission has sought an Action Taken Report within seven days.
In its statement, the Commission said it had taken note of the video purportedly showing Ranjan, Administrative Secretary of the Labour and Employment Department, using abusive language against Wani, an Assistant Director in the department belonging to the Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS), during an official review meeting.
The Commission has also called for safeguards against workplace harassment, victimisation and professional retaliation, while seeking protection and support for the woman officer.
It stressed that every woman officer is entitled to a safe, respectful and dignified workplace, adding that alleged abuse of authority and workplace humiliation must be addressed with utmost seriousness.
The controversy arose from a virtual review meeting on Mission YUVA held on October 14, during which Ranjan and Wani reportedly had a heated exchange over departmental performance and the role of the National Rural Livelihood Mission. A video of the exchange subsequently circulated on social media, prompting demands for an impartial inquiry and accountability.
The development comes amid growing pressure for action against the senior officer. The Jammu and Kashmir Government has also ordered a formal inquiry into the alleged misconduct and appointed Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, as inquiry officer. The inquiry report has been sought within 15 days, according to reports on the government order issued on October 16. [KNT]
