Mumbai: The Devendra Fadnavis-led Mahayuti government has laid down rules for social media usage for all its government officials and employees in Maharashtra and has warned of disciplinary action if anyone fails to comply with them.
The Mahayuti comprises the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and the Ajit Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP).
The general administration department published the rules on Monday in a government order. The rules specify what officials and employees can and cannot post on social media platforms and warn of action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979, for those found in violation of the rules.
“Easily using social media platforms, disseminating information to any corner of the world within moments and reaching many people with a single click has also given rise to certain dangers such as spreading confidential information, false or misleading information and there being limits to being able to take such information down (once posted),” the order said.
“Similarly, it has been noticed that social media is being used inappropriately to post criticism on government policies, political developments or certain persons in violation of civil services rules.”
What the rules say
According to the rules, officials and employees have been asked to refrain from criticising any policies of the state government, or related to the country, and use social media with “caution and responsibility” and not put up any objectionable or defamatory content.
The rules also say that officials can talk about the efforts they have taken or the department’s employees have taken in ensuring the success of a particular scheme or project, but have to ensure that they don’t end up promoting themselves while at it.
Only a person designated by the government will be able to put up pre-approved information about government projects and schemes to encourage more public participation.
The rules further state that officials and employees should be careful to maintain two separate social media accounts for their personal use and official use. Moreover, after an official is transferred, the official account should be promptly handed over to the concerned person in charge of the department.
Officials and employees, the rules add, are advised not to use their official designation, logo, uniform or put photos, videos and reels that show their official properties such as cars and residences on their personal social media accounts.
They will be permitted to use social messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram for coordinating within their departments. However, the rules advise them not to upload, forward or share any confidential documents, whether partially or in full, unless they have prior permission to do so.
There is a strict instruction not to use platforms and apps banned by the government.
The government order says that the rules will apply to all officials and employees whether permanent, on contract or appointed from outside the government. They also apply to all officials and employees working in government-owned corporations, undertakings, guests, and local bodies.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
Also Read: Maharashtra govt floats tender for fact check unit to track ‘malicious, inaccurate’ content