Maharashtra Govt Bans State Employees From Using Uniformed Photos, Office Logos On Personal Social Media

State government employees, including those on contract and outsourced, are prohibited from using their pictures with uniforms, office logos, designations and pictures or videos of government properties on their personal social media accounts.

Strict Guidelines Issued to Regulate Online Conduct of Govt Staff

A state circular with comprehensive guidelines issued on Monday has cautioned the government officers and employees over the usage of social media platforms. Any negative comments, not just against the Maharashtra but any state or Central government, will invite disciplinary action against them, it says.

A list of dos and don’ts on the usage of social media platforms advises state employees to use their social media accounts carefully and responsibly.

No Negative Comments Against Any Govt, No Sharing of Official Documents Without Approval

Officers and employees attached to the state government departments, local bodies, corporations and public enterprises will not use any application banned by the Central or the state government, it says.

They will maintain personal and official social media accounts separately. If anybody wants to promote and publicise the state scheme or decision, he or she will do so only with the consent of the competent authorities from their departments.

Dos and don'ts

The state officers and employees can use messaging platforms such as WhatsApp, Telegram, etc, to contact and coordinate for official purposes, the circular has clarified.

They can write about the team efforts to ensure the success of a state department programme, but without any personal glorification. They can also write or post information on some special efforts taken to make a government programme successful. But they can not do so to promote themselves personally.

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No Negative Comments Against Any Govt, No Sharing of Official Documents Without Approval

The state employees will not forward, share or upload any message that is objectionable in nature, spreads hatred or divisive intentions. Unless authorised, the government officers and employees will not share, forward any government documents fully or partially.

Breaches to Attract Disciplinary Action Under Civil Services Rules

Any breach of these guidelines will attract disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services Rules, 1979, the circular has warned.