UDHAMPUR, SEPT 26: Commandant 24 JKAP IR Battalion Sandeep Mehta, directed officers and personnel to maintain high standards of discipline, integrity and professional conduct and ensure strict adherence to applicable service rules during a legal awareness programme organised at Battalion Headquarters, Sui, Udhampur.
The programme was organised in connection with the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and focused on sensitising government employees about the J&K Government Employees Conduct Rules, their responsibilities and the standards of conduct expected during public service.
Addressing the gathering, Commandant Sandeep Mehta emphasised that no organisation can function effectively without a clear understanding of and compliance with the laws, rules and procedures governing its functioning.
He directed officers and officials to remain thoroughly familiar with the rules applicable to their respective responsibilities and ensure that these are followed in letter and spirit.
The Commandant stressed that professional discipline and accountability are collective responsibilities and called upon personnel to discharge their duties within the established legal and administrative framework.
He said proper understanding of service rules enables personnel to perform their responsibilities more effectively while maintaining institutional discipline.
The awareness session featured an expert panel comprising Raghu Mehta, Advocate, J&K High Court, Jammu; Kuldeep Singh Puri, Senior Advocate and counsel associated with the Central Government CAT Bench, Jammu, and an expert in revenue matters; and B.R. Chandan, Senior Advocate, who has around four decades of legal experience, including 20 years as a Public Prosecutor.
Raghu Mehta elaborated on the significance of Government Service Conduct Rules and explained the standards expected from government employees throughout their service.
He highlighted three fundamental principles—absolute integrity, devotion to duty and refraining from conduct unbecoming of a government servant.
He also explained the importance of upholding the Constitution and democratic values, maintaining political neutrality and complying with provisions governing the conduct of government employees.
The session covered provisions relating to criticism of government policies, acceptance of donations, financial dealings and other matters regulated under the Conduct Rules.
The legal expert further stressed that the Conduct Rules apply across all levels of government service, from subordinate employees to supervisory officers, and underlined the role of administrative officers in ensuring proper utilisation of the workforce, maintenance of discipline and adherence to prescribed procedures.
Commandant Mehta expressed appreciation to the three legal experts for sharing their extensive experience and providing personnel with practical insights into service law, revenue matters and criminal law.
He specifically acknowledged the extensive professional experience of Kuldeep Singh Puri and B.R. Chandan.
Describing the legal awareness session as significant for the Battalion, the Commandant said it was a matter of pride that experienced legal professionals had visited the unit and conducted a dedicated programme on service law and conduct rules.
He also appreciated the officers and officials who made arrangements for the programme within a short period.
Meanwhile, as part of the commemorative activities, the 24 JKAP IR Battalion conducted plantation drives at Ritti, Sui, Manwal and Tikri.
At Ritti, around 100 fruit-bearing saplings were planted by Battalion officers along with local villagers, while plantation activities were also carried out at the Battalion’s company locations at Sui, Manwal and Tikri.
The plantation initiative was aimed at increasing green cover, promoting environmental conservation and encouraging greater community participation in protecting the environment.
The programmes combined legal awareness, professional discipline and environmental responsibility, reinforcing the Battalion’s focus on responsible public service and community-oriented activities.
