Maharashtra govt bans its employees from criticising decisions on social media
In a circular issued by the state government on Monday, the government also warned employees of disciplinary action if the employee fails to adhere to these guidelines.
While explaining the need to issue guidelines for use of social media for government employees, the government said that it has been observed that social media is being misused by employees violating government service rules and giving adverse comments about government officials or any political event/person.
'Social media is a broad concept and includes social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, microblogging sites like X, video sharing platforms like Instagram, YouTube, instant messaging apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, collaborative tools like Wikis, discussion forums, etc. The ability to send information to any corner of the world, and the ability to reach many people with a single click, have created some dangers such as, sharing confidential information, spreading false and misleading information, and failure to delete information,' the government circular stated.
The guidelines state that the government employees or employees working on contract with government departments should not to criticise the current or recent policies of the state government or any other government in India.
The government employees should use social media very consciously and responsibly, government employees should keep their personal and office social media accounts separate, websites, apps, etc. banned by the central or state government should not be used, it said.
Also Read: Ban on marks-based segregation among key SC guidelines to combat student suicide
'A person authorised by the government, with the approval of the competent authority, will be able to use only government and authorised media for the publicity of government schemes, initiatives, etc., messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, etc. can be used to coordinate/communicate with the office, posts regarding the efforts made by officers and employees to ensure the success of the government/department schemes/initiatives can be posted on social media without self promotion.' states the circular.
'Except for the profile photo, the use of your official designation, logo, name/address and government property like- vehicles, buildings, etc. should be avoided while uploading photos/videos on personal social media accounts. Offensive, hateful, defamatory and discriminatory content, etc. should not be shared/uploaded/shared. No confidential documents, government and office documents should be shared/uploaded in part or in full without prior approval. Transfer the official account with due procedure after the transfer.' the circular mentioned.
The government has also warned employees of consequences if they failed to follow these guidelines.
'Any employee found violating the above guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979 and other relevant provisions.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Kurup denies rumours of becoming UDF canditate
Kottayam: Senior CPM leader K Suresh Kurup dismissed the reports that appeared in a section of the media suggesting that he is going to contest from Ettumanur as the UDF candidate. In a Facebook post on Thursday, Kurup said that false news is being spread in the last few days. In the post, he said that he became a member of the CPM in 1972. He also stated that since then, he has had no difference of opinion about the stand of the party. The party is the reflection of his political life. He also mentioned that he is not a person who goes after any positions. "Elections or the positions I get through them are not important to me. All those were just opportunities that came my way as part of my Left-wing political activities. Let me tell my friends who love me, the people who have placed their trust in me, and those who act as enemies of me for reasons unknown to me, that my politics is the most important thing to me," he wrote on Facebook.
NDTV
an hour ago
- NDTV
After Trump's 'Dead Economies' Remark, Russian Official's 'Dead Hand' Warning
Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev, who also served as the President from 2008 to 2012 and Prime Minister from 2012 and 2020, has cautioned US President Donald Trump advising him not to disregard the dangers of those he labels "dead". In a post on Truth Social, Trump hit out at India and Russia and said that he does not care how the two countries deal with each other, and that they "can take their dead economies down together". This is the second time that the two traded blows on social media this summer. The US President's remarks come a day after he announced 25 per cent tariffs on imports from India, plus a penalty for New Delhi's purchases from Russia. Disapproving of New Delhi's defence deals with Moscow, the US President said India has "always bought a vast majority of their military equipment from Russia". They "are Russia's largest buyer of energy, along with China, at a time when everyone wants Russia to stop the killing in Ukraine." Medvedev, in a response, wrote on Telegram, "As for the talk about the 'dead economies' of India and Russia, and 'entering dangerous territory' - maybe he should recall his favorite movies about 'the walking dead,' and also remember how dangerous the so-called 'Dead Hand,' which doesn't even exist, could be." The 'Dead Hand', also known as Perimeter is a Cold-War era automatic or semi-automatic nuclear weapons control system, that could launch a nuclear counterstrike even if the country's leadership had been wiped out. Trump had also personally targeted Medvedev in the social post when he added, "Russia and the USA do almost no business together. Let's keep it that way, and tell Medvedev, the failed former President of Russia, who thinks he's still President, to watch his words. He's entering very dangerous territory." In retaliation, Medvedev addressed that in his post when he said, "If a few words from the former president of Russia can provoke such a jittery reaction from the mighty president of the United States, then Russia must be completely in the right," he wrote. "We'll keep moving forward on our own path."
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Kamala Harris returns to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to promote new book
Kamala Harris is back in the spotlight. The former Vice President will be appearing on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert tonight, July 31, Deadline reported. This marks her first major public interview since the 2024 Presidential election, which she lost to Donald Trump. In the upcoming interview, she is set to promote her new book, 107 Days, in which she has detailed her experiences of running for president. Kamala Harris returns to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert(X/@@colbertlateshow) Kamala Harris makes The Late Show comeback Harris' The Late Show comeback comes just one day after she confirmed she will not be running for California Governor, shutting down months of speculation about her next political move. Earlier today, she also shared the news about her new book. In an announcement video shared on Instagram, she said, 'Since leaving office, I've spent a lot of time reflecting on those days, talking with my team, my family, my friends, and pulling my thoughts together – in essence, writing a journal that is this book '107 Days' with candor and reflection.' This interview is sure to draw attention not just for Harris' return, but also because of the drama surrounding Colbert himself. The Late Show was canceled by CBS earlier this month, a move officially blamed on budget cuts. However, some believe there may be more to it. Former President Trump had launched legal action against Paramount Global, CBS's parent company, over past segments aired on the show. While the company settled the lawsuit quietly to push its Skydance merger through, the shadow of that case still lingers. Also read: Kamala Harris running for president in 2028? California Gov decision sparks speculation When Harris last appeared on the show, back in October 2024, just before the election, she famously shared a Miller High Life beer with Colbert and did not hold back on her criticism of Trump, calling him a man who 'openly admires dictators and authoritarians.' Tonight's appearance will be her eighth time on The Late Show since her first visit in 2018. With the show on its way out and Harris reflecting on her political future, this interview feels more like a closing chapter for both of them. The Late Show is produced by CBS Studios and Spartina Productions, with Stephen Colbert, Tom Purcell, and Jon Stewart serving as executive producers. FAQs: Q1. Was Kamala Harris running for president in 2024 or will she run in 2028? Yes, Kamala Harris ran for president in the 2024 election but lost to Donald Trump. As of now, she has not announced any plans to run in 2028. Q2. What are Kamala Harris's biggest achievements as Vice President? As Vice President, Harris focused on several key areas. She led diplomatic efforts on immigration issues, worked on protecting voting rights, and played a major role in promoting the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. She also worked on improving maternal health and was active in pushing for student loan relief. Q3. How has Kamala Harris's approval rating changed in recent years? Her approval ratings have gone up and down over time. Early in her term, public opinion was mixed. During the 2024 campaign, her popularity improved with Democratic voters, but after the loss, some polls showed a drop in support. Q4. Where is Kamala Harris originally from? Kamala Harris was born in Oakland, California. Her mother was from India, and her father is from Jamaica. She grew up in the Bay Area and has long ties to California's political scene.
