GovernmentSafety – Dhami Orders SOP After Dehradun Office Incident

GovernmentSafety – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has asked the state administration to draft a comprehensive Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) aimed at strengthening safety arrangements for officers, employees and teachers working in government institutions. The directive follows concerns over a recent incident at the Directorate of Elementary Education in Dehradun that has sparked debate over security at public offices.

Directive Issued After Meeting With Employee Representatives

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the matter was raised during a meeting at the Chief Minister’s official residence earlier this week. Representatives of the Uttarakhand Officers, Employees and Teachers Front met Dhami and expressed serious concern about an incident that took place on February 21. They urged the government to implement immediate and firm steps to prevent similar occurrences in the future and to ensure a safe and respectful work environment.

Responding to their concerns, Dhami reiterated that the state government remains committed to safeguarding the dignity and security of its workforce. He instructed the Chief Secretary to prepare a detailed SOP that would clearly outline procedures and responsibilities related to safety in government workplaces.

Police Asked to Strengthen Security Measures

The Chief Minister also spoke to the Director General of Police, directing that security arrangements at government offices be reviewed and reinforced wherever necessary. He emphasized that any incident involving misconduct or disruption in public institutions should be addressed promptly and in accordance with the law.

In addition, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Dehradun, has been asked to proceed as per established rules against those found responsible for the recent disturbance at the Directorate of Education. Officials said the administration intends to ensure that due process is followed while maintaining order within government premises.

Details of the February 21 Incident

The controversy stems from a confrontation that occurred earlier this week at the Uttarakhand Directorate of Education in Dehradun. The dispute reportedly involved BJP MLA Umesh Sharma Kau and officials at the department. The situation escalated during discussions related to the renaming of a school.

Ajay Kumar Naudiyal, Director of Primary Education, alleged that the MLA, accompanied by around 25 supporters, entered his office and engaged in a heated exchange. According to Naudiyal, tensions rose after he informed them that any decision to change a school’s name required formal approval from the state government. He claimed the argument turned physical, resulting in injuries to his head. Naudiyal was later taken to Coronation Hospital for medical treatment.

MLA Denies Allegations

BJP MLA Umesh Sharma Kau has denied accusations of assault. He stated that there was no physical attack and alleged that the officer behaved inappropriately during the interaction. According to the MLA, he had visited the office along with a family seeking clarification about the school’s name change and that the disagreement stemmed from that discussion.

The incident has drawn attention from various employee groups and administrative bodies, prompting calls for clearer guidelines to prevent similar conflicts in official spaces. Observers note that while disagreements over policy decisions are not uncommon, ensuring decorum and security within public offices is essential for maintaining institutional integrity.

Focus on Institutional Safety

With the proposed SOP, the state government aims to establish defined protocols to manage visitor access, handle disputes, and coordinate with law enforcement when required. Officials indicate that the framework will cover preventive measures as well as response strategies to deal with emergencies.

The development comes at a time when workplace safety and administrative transparency remain central to public governance discussions. The state leadership has signaled that it intends to address both the immediate fallout from the Dehradun incident and broader concerns regarding security in government establishments.

Further details about the SOP and any action taken in connection with the February 21 episode are expected once the review process is complete.