Key Points
- No criticism of government policies or sharing confidential documents: Employees forbidden from criticizing government actions or leaking official documents online.
- Separate personal and official social media accounts are mandatory for all government staff including those on deputation or contract.
- Ban on using restricted apps and sharing government images, property, or insignia on personal accounts.
- Self-promotion and objectionable content strictly prohibited;
- Violations to invite disciplinary action under Maharashtra Civil Services Rules (1979).
- Mandatory handover of official social media accounts after transfer.
Mumbai: In a major move to tighten digital discipline, the General Administration Department (GAD) of Maharashtra has released comprehensive social media guidelines targeting all government officials and employees. The directive was issued on Monday in the wake of growing concerns about data leaks, government image, and the spread of sensitive information online.
What’s Banned?
- No Criticism of Government: State employees are now strictly prohibited from criticizing government policies—whether those of Maharashtra, other states, or even the central government on any digital platform.
- No Sharing of Official Documents: Circulation of confidential government papers or any sensitive official information on social media requires prior authorization. Unauthorised sharing will invite disciplinary action.
- No Use of Government Symbols or Assets: Posting images, reels, or videos that showcase government posts, uniforms, vehicles, logos, or buildings on personal accounts is strictly forbidden.
- No Self-Promotion: Employees cannot use their official position to promote themselves or their personal achievements online. Praise must be limited to the success of government schemes only.
- Ban on Restricted Apps: Use of websites or apps banned by the centre or state (such as certain foreign apps or platforms) is strictly off-limits for all government officials.
- Objectionable Content Prohibited: No posting of hateful, defamatory, offensive, or discriminatory material will be tolerated.
Rules for All Government Staff
These rules cover everyone in the service of the Maharashtra government including regular employees, those on deputation, contract employees, external appointees, as well as officers of local bodies, boards, corporations, and public sector undertakings.
- Mandatory Account Separation: Employees must maintain distinct personal and official social media profiles to prevent cross-posting and maintain professionalism.
- Official Information Only by Authorised Staff: Only authorised officers, with prior approval, are allowed to share information about government schemes.
- Privacy Comes First: Any upload or sharing of confidential information without permission can result in severe penalties.
Procedure During Transfers
When government staff are transferred, a clean and authorized hand-over of their official social media accounts to their successors is now compulsory, ensuring continued accountability and data security.
Strict Penalties for Violators
Breaching any of these guidelines will be deemed a violation of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, attracting disciplinary action ranging from suspension to termination.
The circular, made effective immediately, is seen as a proactive step to protect government interests, curb misinformation, and reinforce digital boundaries for all state employees.
For Maharashtra’s government workforce, compliance with these new social media rules is not just a matter of etiquette it is now an official mandate, with clear do’s and don’ts, and serious consequences for violations.
