NL Correspondent
SRINAGAR: Attendance of government employees would be checked at venues of Republic Day celebrations in Jammu and Kashmir.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir has directed DC Srinagar to nominate one senior officer to check the attendance of employees on the day of function and submit report on the next day to his office.
An official at the Divisional Commissioner office, said that directions have been issued to ensure “maximum” participation of employees in the R-Day functions in the state.
“Employees have been directed to attend functions in their respective districts,” he said.
Government has warned its employees of disciplinary action, who fail to attend January 26 celebrations in the state.
The main function would be held at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, where Governor N N Vohra would take salute of the march past.
While for the first time, the main January 26 celebrations in Kashmir would be held at SK Cricket Stadium at Sonawar instead at traditional venue Bakshi Stadium which is reportedly under necessary repairs and renovations.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, has directed all government employees stationed in Srinagar to attend the Republic Day function as a “part of their official duties”.
“All heads of departments and CEOs of public sector undertakings shall ensure their presence, besides participation of all employees subordinate to them,” he said in an order.
The employees have been warned to be present at SK Stadium Sonawar, failing which “shall be seriously viewed as dereliction of duties and disobedience of government instructions”.
The official said that directives have been issued in view of the past experience when very less employees would attend the R-Day functions.
Meanwhile, security has been intensified in and around SK Cricket Stadium in Srinagar, where main R-Day function in Kashmir would be held.
The police, CRPF have set up temporary mobile check points at various places in Srinagar to maintain vigil on the movement of the people.
In view of change in venue, Khan has directed the police department and other security agencies to ensure “adequate and fool proof security” arrangements in and around the venue.
“In Srinagar security should be tightened more than before owing to change of venue this time around,” a police official said.
The police department has been directed to make a “comprehensive” security plan.
The police official said that security would be strengthened in Srinagar's Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, Dal Gate, and Sonawar area. “The security agencies will take extra measures this time in view change in venue and December last year fidayeen attack on a CRPF camp,” the official said.
It has been decided to utilise three Pawan Hans helicopters for flower showering and to keep surveillance on the venue.
