Staff Reporter
Kupwara, October 21, 2024 — In an escalating case of alleged misconduct by an ICDS worker, Hameeda Begum, accusations of media intimidation have surfaced, sparking outrage within journalistic circles. Hameeda, currently stationed in Hirri Peer Mohalla under the jurisdiction of the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) of Trehgam, is being investigated for manipulating the attendance system to falsely show her presence on duty on September 17, 2024.
The investigative team from The Spotlight and Daily Inside Kashmir uncovered that Hameeda was absent from her duties, despite her virtual attendance indicating otherwise. Following this exposé, statements from the CDPO and District Planning Officer assured that a thorough investigation would be conducted, and appropriate action taken. Yet, more than one month passed, no disciplinary action has been taken.
In a disturbing turn of events, Hameeda Begum has reportedly resorted to intimidation tactics, allegedly using her son’s Facebook account to post defamatory statements against the media organizations involved in the investigation. The posts, according to sources, contained threats and character assassination attempts aimed at the staff of
The media outlet, under its leadership, swiftly filed a formal complaint with the District Planning Officer, condemning the worker’s actions. In the complaint, the leadership detailed a recent incident in which Hameeda attempted to lodge a false complaint at PS Kupwara. “I wish to inform you that Ms. Hameeda visited PS Kupwara yesterday, where she tried to lodge a complaint, falsely accusing me of visiting the center, using offensive language, and attempting to assault her. These allegations are completely unfounded and disgraceful,” the complaint stated. “This attempt to hinder my professional responsibilities is unacceptable. I have faced similar intimidation before, but I have never allowed it to interfere with my work.”
The complaint also highlighted the potential damage such actions could cause to the ICDS department’s reputation, calling for immediate departmental review. The media organization expressed concerns that the worker’s actions were being enabled by the lack of any official response from the department.
The Editorial Board issued a scathing statement regarding the ICDS department’s delay in taking action, labeling it as part of a “classic bureaucratic behavior” designed to avoid accountability. “It is unfortunate that an ICDS worker has the audacity to intimidate and launch a character assassination campaign against the leadership of a reputable media organization, while the department plays delay tactics,” the board’s statement read. The Editorial Board also pointed out that ample time had been given for the ICDS department to act, but no communication had been received regarding any steps taken.
When the Editorial Board contacted ICDS Planning Officer Hakeem Tanveer Ahmad for a comment, they were met with an evasive response. “Please visit the office in this connection,” he stated, despite being informed that the newsroom could not make a physical visit and requested a response via WhatsApp or phone. No further communication was received.
The Jammu and Kashmir Jouranlists Union also weighed in on the matter, with its Journalist Protection Committee condemning the department’s lackluster response. “This tepid reaction from the ICDS department is not only unfortunate but malicious. If the department cannot take action against the employee, it raises serious doubts about the functionality of the department,” Jouranlists Protection Committee of JKJU said in its observation. “Our association strongly condemns this intimidation of the media, and we will take up this issue to the highest authorities to ensure no employee feels emboldened to harass or malign journalists.”
The Association further stressed that such inaction could embolden other public officials to resort to similar tactics, undermining the press’s role in holding institutions accountable. “Journalists must be able to work without fear of reprisal or intimidation. If the ICDS department cannot act on this, it sets a dangerous precedent,” said JPC.
As of now, the ICDS department remains silent, with both media organizations and the Journalist and Writers’ Association pushing for immediate disciplinary action against Hameeda Begum. The case has raised broader concerns about the treatment of journalists and the accountability of public servants, particularly in critical sectors such as child development. With the pressure mounting, all eyes are on the ICDS department to see if it will take action to restore trust and uphold professional integrity within its ranks.
