Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has issued a circular directing its employees to refrain from criticising and sharing government documents on social media without approval.
The government also warned employees of disciplinary action in case he/she fails to adhere to these guidelines.
Explaining the reason behind such a diktat, the BJP-headed Mahayuti government said it has been observed that some employees are misusing social media and violating government service rules by making adverse comments about government officials or any political event/person.
“Social media is a broad concept and includes social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, microblogging sites like X, video sharing platforms like Instagram, YouTube, instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, collaborative tools like Wikis, discussion forums, etc. The ability to send information to any corner of the world, and the ability to reach many people with a single click, have created some dangers such as, sharing confidential information, spreading false and misleading information, and failure to delete information,” the government circular stated.
Government employees or employees working on contract with government departments should not criticise current or recent policies of the state government or any other government in India, as per the guidelines released on Monday.
The circular advised government employees to use social media very consciously and responsibly, keep their personal and office social media accounts separate.
“A person authorised by the government, with the approval of the competent authority, will be able to use only government and authorised media for the publicity of government schemes, initiatives, etc., messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. can be used to coordinate/communicate with the office, posts regarding the efforts made by officers and employees to ensure the success of the government/department schemes/initiatives can be posted on social media without self promotion,” the circular states.
“Except for the profile photo, the use of your official designation, logo, name/address and government property like- vehicles, buildings, etc. should be avoided while uploading photos/videos on personal social media accounts. Offensive, hateful, defamatory and discriminatory content, etc. should not be shared/uploaded/shared. No confidential documents, government and office documents should be shared/uploaded in part or in full without prior approval. Transfer the official account with due procedure after the transfer.”
Warning employees of consequences for violating these guidelines, the circular made it clear, “Any employee found violating the above guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979 and other relevant provisions.”
