Jagadhri Block Education Officer suspended for political allegiances
The Haryana Government has suspended Karnail Singh, the Block Education Officer (BEO) of Jagadhri, for allegedly participating in political activities and working against the ruling party in support of a Congress candidate.
The suspension was ordered by Pankaj Agarwal, Principal Secretary, School Education Department, Haryana, on April 15, 2025, under Rule 5 of the Haryana Civil Services (Punishment and Appeal) Rules, 2016.
As per the order, Karnail Singh’s headquarters during the suspension period will be the office of the District Education Officer (DEO), Yamunanagar.
The action follows a complaint filed in January 2025 by Kamal Kumar, a resident of Yamunanagar district, who alleged that Karnail Singh had been actively involved in political activities, specifically working against the ruling party and in support of a Congress candidate during the October 2024 Assembly elections.
According to the complaint, Singh not only supported the Congress candidate but also distributed sweets to celebrate his victory, a gesture seen as an open show of political allegiance.
The allegations were investigated by officials of the Education Department, Yamunanagar. The inquiry report, submitted to the Director of Secondary Education, Haryana, concluded that Karnail Singh had violated Rule 9 of the Haryana Civil Services (Government Employees Conduct) Rules, 2016.
The cited rule clearly states: “No government employee shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with, any political party or any organisation, which takes part in politics, nor shall take part in, or subscribe in aid of, or assist in any other manner, any political movement or activity.”
The report also stated that the officer’s actions were in violation of guidelines issued by the Election Commission of India, reinforcing the severity of the misconduct.
Sources in the department confirmed that the suspension is based solely on the findings of the inquiry and follows due administrative procedures.
Haryana Tribune