The Maharashtra authorities has issued strict social media tips for state staff, warning of disciplinary motion for violations. Officers should keep away from criticising authorities insurance policies, maintain private and official accounts separate, and chorus from utilizing official symbols in private posts.
The Maharashtra authorities has issued an in depth set of social media tips for all state authorities staff, together with these engaged on deputation or contract, warning that any violation might result in disciplinary motion underneath the Maharashtra Civil Providers Guidelines.
Within the digital age the place social media allows instantaneous communication and mass outreach, the federal government famous that the identical platforms are additionally being misused—starting from the leakage of confidential info to the unfold of misinformation and political commentary in violation of service guidelines.
The brand new tips apply to officers and staff of:
- The Maharashtra authorities (together with contractual and deputation-based employees)
- Native self-government our bodies, boards, firms, and public sector undertakings
Listed below are the important thing dos and don’ts:
- No opposed feedback on any current or current insurance policies or actions of the state or central governments.
- Train warning and duty whereas utilizing social media in a private or skilled capability.
- Keep separate accounts for private and official use.
- Keep away from banned web sites and apps, as listed by the central or state authorities.
- Solely designated authorities could use official social media handles to advertise schemes and initiatives, and that too with prior approval.
- Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram could also be used for inner communication and coordination.
- Officers could share success tales of presidency initiatives, however with out indulging in self-promotion.
- Content material about authorities work will be posted, however to not glorify oneself or declare undue credit score.
- Keep away from posting photographs or movies that function authorities symbols, uniforms, autos, or buildings on private accounts, besides profile photographs.
- Don’t share objectionable, defamatory, or discriminatory content material in any kind.
- Confidential or official paperwork should not be shared, even partially, with out correct authorisation.
- When transferred, officers should hand over entry to official social media accounts in a proper method.
The round clearly states that any breach of those tips will appeal to disciplinary motion underneath the Maharashtra Civil Providers (Self-discipline and Enchantment) Guidelines, 1979.