New Delhi: The Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) has laid down social media guidelines for IAS trainee officers as part of its “code of conduct” in adherence to ‘Shishtachar (good manners and etiquette)’.
A poster has been put up on the notice board of LBSNAA during the Phase Two training of trainee IAS officers, prohibiting trainee officers from posting any digital content related to the Academy without prior permission.
“Uploading any form of digital content which involves/includes photos, videos, reels, etc., related to training, academy premises, training programs, itineraries, official visits, etc., on social networking sites is prohibited without prior approval from the authorized authority,” the notice specifies.
The restriction covers a wide range of areas within the Mussoorie-based civil service training institute on public policy and public administration.
Trainee officers cannot post anything showing hostels, sports complexes, classrooms, mess halls, lounges, kits, food, or any other articles or study materials, the notice states.
ThePrint has seen a photo of the notice put up at the Academy’s notice board.
For the past few years, there have been instances when civil servants such as Deepak Rawat have been active on social media. Some trainee officers had even made posts right from their initial training days at the LBSNAA.
The restrictions on social media are applicable on platforms such as X, YouTube, Snapchat, LinkedIn and those of Meta among others, according to the notice.
The trainee officers “must ensure that their social media status updates do not reference any training activities or academy-related content,” it reads.
The notice also states that official visits, such as the Himalayan study tour, Kevadiya tour, village visits, and any other excursions organized by the Academy, fall under these guidelines.
The IAS training is divided into two phases. Phase 1 involves imparting foundational skills and necessary knowledge for trainee officers, with the focus on imparting an understanding of public administration, law, economics, and Indian polity. This is taught through classroom sessions, field visits, and hands-on training to help officers understand the complexities of governance and public service.
Phase 2 focuses on theoretical knowledge through practical exposure. In this phase, trainee officers return to the academy after their district training. They share their understanding of public administration and governance, field experiences, and learn from real-world challenges
A trainee officer ThePrint spoke to said that many others to be guarded when it comes to use of social media.
“We have done a lot of hard work to be here. Other aspirants who are preparing for exams get motivated through our posts. But now with this notice, I think all of us will be low-key. Some trainees have started archiving their posts from social media,” the trainee officer said.
IAS officer Jitin Yadav welcomed the step taken by the Academy, saying that it would direct the motivation for preparing for civil services “in the right direction”.
“I welcome this step. It will direct the motivation for preparing for civil services in the right direction. Many people get influenced by the entry of officers, security, and charm flaunted on social media. But there is a lot that an IAS officer does on the ground, from working in the field to policy making,” the 2016 batch IAS officer told ThePrint.
“I think there should be modifications in our existing conduct rules. Both Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules 1964 and All India Services (Conduct) Rules 1968 should be updated as per current times,” he added.
A civil service aspirant felt that the decision was a good step. “They should totally ban the monetisation of fame by other civil servants. Some think of themselves as gods and film stars with media running around them,” the UPSC aspirant told ThePrint.
(Edited by Tony Rai)
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