Maharashtra authorities enact fresh social media regulations for government staff to halt the dissemination of false data and confidential info leaks.
Maharashtra Government Issues Strict Social Media Guidelines for Employees
The Maharashtra government has introduced new social media usage guidelines for all state government employees, including contractual and deputation staff, to maintain the confidentiality of information and prevent the dissemination of misleading information.
Key details of these guidelines include:
- Separate Personal and Official Accounts: Employees must maintain distinct social media accounts for personal and official use.
- Content Restrictions: Employees cannot post or share confidential documents, images with official logos, government uniforms, vehicles, or office buildings on personal accounts. Exceptions exist for official profile pictures on official accounts. Criticising current or past government policies, or any Indian government policies, publicly on social media is strictly prohibited. Self-promotion related to official duties is banned, except for authorised communication on government schemes or initiatives, which must focus on the scheme's impact, not individuals. Posting offensive, hateful, defamatory, discriminatory, communal, politically sensitive, or inflammatory content is forbidden.
- Use of Apps and Platforms: Use of apps or websites banned by the central or state government is prohibited. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram are allowed only for internal office coordination.
- Account Management: Official social media accounts must be handed over properly on transfer or resignation to maintain accountability.
- Authorised Usage: Only designated officials are allowed to use official accounts to promote government schemes and initiatives.
- Enforcement and Training: Violations will lead to disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, and the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979. The government plans regular monitoring and training sessions to ensure compliance and promote responsible behaviour.
These guidelines create a clear boundary between personal expression and official representation, aiming to reduce misinformation, unauthorized disclosures, and politically sensitive statements by government employees. The measures emphasize a professional digital presence, allowing government communication to remain controlled and official. Employees face strict disciplinary consequences for breaches, which signals the government's commitment to securing sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of public administration in the digital sphere.
However, the prohibition on criticism restricts employees’ freedom to publicly voice dissent regarding government policies on social media, potentially affecting open dialogue. The mandate for separate accounts and monitoring indicates an increased surveillance and control over employees’ digital activities related to their government roles.
The guidelines also apply to employees in local bodies, boards, corporations, and public undertakings. Notably, the General Administration department will be the only authorized entity to use the official government social media accounts. Employees are encouraged to post about successful efforts regarding any schemes or initiatives, but should not do so for self-praise.
Meanwhile, various companies such as L&T, NTPC, Asian Paints, VBL, Star Health, GMR Airports, Blue Dart, V-Guard have announced their Q1 results, with Mangalore Chemicals reaching a 52-week high and Mazagon Dock falling post Q1 results. The Department of Economic Affairs reports a 42 per cent year-on-year rise in AI and machine learning jobs in June.
- The Maharashtra government's new social media guidelines encourage employees to maintain separate accounts for personal and official use, preventing the mixing of personal expression and official representation.
- Employees are prohibited from posting confidential documents, official logos, or images related to government uniforms, vehicles, or office buildings on personal accounts, except for official profile pictures on official accounts.
- These guidelines also ban criticism of current or past government policies, self-promotion related to official duties (with exceptions for authorized communication on government schemes or initiatives), and posting offensive, hateful, defamatory, or politically sensitive content.
- Violations of these guidelines will result in disciplinary action, demonstrating the government's commitment to securing sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of public administration in the digital sphere.
- In the business world, many companies like L&T, NTPC, Asian Paints, VBL, Star Health, GMR Airports, Blue Dart, and V-Guard have announced their Q1 results, with Mangalore Chemicals reaching a 52-week high and Mazagon Dock experiencing a dip post Q1 results.
- The Department of Economic Affairs has reported a 42 percent year-on-year rise in AI and machine learning jobs in June, showcasing a growing trend in the technology sector of the economy.
