Srinagar, May 28: Authorities Saturday said that some faculty members of government degree colleges in Jammu and Kashmir were violating the guidelines by proceeding on foreign visits without obtaining prior approval from the competent authority.

According to the official communiqué, the Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department has said that the procedure for granting permission in favour of all government servants including faculty members, principals of higher educational Institutions for private visits to foreign countries has been prescribed clearly by the government.

“It has been observed that some faculty members of government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir are proceeding on foreign visits without obtaining prior approval from the competent authority, thereby defeating the purpose of instructions and guidelines notified in this regard from time to time,” it reads.

The government said that this violation of standing instructions has been viewed seriously by the authorities.

The department accordingly impressed upon all the faculty members of government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir to strictly adhere to the instructions issued on the subject and not to undertake any foreign visit on private affairs without prior approval of the administrative department.

“It may be noted that mere submission of a request or an application cannot be construed as permission,” it reads.

The department said that if any officer of the higher education department including faculty members, principal or any other officials desirous of undertaking a foreign visit on private affairs shall submit a written request at least 30 days in advance.

“The period of 30 days will be relaxed only in case of medical or other emergency requiring urgent travel and under no other circumstances. Any violation of the above instructions or any unauthorized travel shall invite disciplinary action under the relevant conduct rules,” the government has said. kno