Daijiworld Media Network- Mumbai

Mumbai, Jul 29: In a significant move aimed at regulating the online conduct of public servants, the Maharashtra government on Monday issued a fresh set of social media guidelines for its employees. The General Administration Department released a circular outlining dos and don’ts to ensure the responsible use of digital platforms by all state government personnel.

As per the circular, government employees are strictly prohibited from criticising current or former policies of the Maharashtra government, or those of any other state or the Centre. The aim, officials stated, is to curb the spread of misinformation, maintain administrative discipline, and prevent the leakage of sensitive or confidential government data.

Any violation of these guidelines will invite disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1979, the circular warned.

The new guidelines mandate that employees must maintain separate personal and official social media accounts. Furthermore, they are barred from using any mobile application that has been banned either by the Centre or the state government.

While officials are allowed to highlight positive work on social media, the government cautioned against excessive self-promotion or personal glorification. “Social media must be used with restraint and professionalism,” the circular noted.

The rules apply to all categories of state government employees, including officers, local body staffers, contractual workers, and those in public sector undertakings. Additionally, employees are strictly forbidden from downloading, uploading, or sharing any content deemed defamatory, discriminatory, provocative, or communal in nature.

Among other restrictions, employees are not permitted to post photos featuring government uniforms, official logos, office buildings, or vehicles on personal accounts. Personal social media profiles must be limited to displaying only the employee’s photograph.

The GR also emphasized that official social media channels may be used only by authorised personnel for promoting government schemes or initiatives, and that too with prior approval from the competent authority.

Crucially, it mandates that any outgoing or transferred employee must hand over control of official accounts to their designated successor to ensure continuity and security of digital operations.

The directive comes at a time when social media activity by public officials is increasingly under scrutiny for potential policy breaches, data leaks, and reputational risks.