Guidelines say officials, employees can post on social media about initiatives or schemes, but nothing that reflects self-promotion; According to the guidelines, an individual working with the government at any post or office is not allowed to use government emblems, logos, vehicles
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
The Maharashtra government has issued guidelines regulating the use of social media platforms for all of its officials and employees. The general administration department on Monday issued a Government Resolution (GR) mentioning guidelines regulating social media use by its employees, aimed at having responsible use of digital media.
According to the guidelines, an individual working with the government at any post or office is not allowed to use government emblems, logos, vehicles, designations, or even a picture in government uniform for personal social media use. Be they regular employees, on deputation, local self-government, municipal councils, corporations or public undertakings, or contractual employees, all of them will have to keep their personal and official accounts separate.
Misuse of social media will result in disciplinary action. REPRESENTATION PIC/ISTOCK
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, during the state budget session in March this year, had mentioned that his government is setting up rules to crack down on government employees using social media platforms for personal glorification and impose disciplinary action against violators. “Social media needs to be used. But it should be for public connection or engagement and not for personal glorification,” Fadnavis had then said.
The GR issued on Monday mentions that officials and employees can post on social media about their contribution to the success of any initiative or scheme, but while doing so, one has to take care that the information doesn't sound or reflect self-promotion. As per the latest diktat, any violation of the guidelines will lead to disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) rules, 1979, and other relevant regulations.
The GR further mentioned that employees are expected to use digital platforms (social media) with caution and with responsibility. “They must avoid making adverse comments about policies or actions of the state or any other government in India,” the GR added. Besides this code of conduct, the employees have been advised to refrain from using websites and applications that are banned by the Centre and the state government. However, employees can continue using communication apps for work-related coordination.
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