Maha govt issues guidelines to curb misuse of social media by babus
The general administration department (GAD) has for the first time asked employees not to use official assets (vehicle, office building etc) for personal social media posts. This circular comes after MLC Parinay Fuke, a trusted aide of CM Devendra Fadnavis, raised this issue in the winter session of legislature, saying that official status is being used for personal branding by govt employees. Later, in May, he followed up with the govt, demanding that directives be issued at the earliest.
Speaking to TOI on Monday, Fuke said, "You can't swagger on like a Singham in uniform while on official duty, and post reels with slickly edited videos and music. I welcome the govt's latest circular which now draws a line between official and personal social media presence."
The circular, issued under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, warns that violations could attract disciplinary action. Officials have been asked to keep separate social media accounts for personal and official use.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Moose Approaches Girl At Bus Stop In Constantine - Watch What Happens
Happy in Shape
Undo
In the personal account, apart from profile photo, employees have been asked to refrain from posting uniformed photos, govt accommodation, vehicles etc.
Even on their official account, photos or videos of government offices, projects, vehicles, or state assets, cannot be shared without prior permission. Also, while sharing information about govt schemes, they must secure prior approval and avoid giving the impression of personal endorsements.
The directive also states that while posting content related to some official work, the posts must not appear to be 'praising own self'.
The guidelines caution staffers against forwarding unverified messages and reiterate that breaches will be treated as misconduct. For official communication, departments have been instructed to rely only on authorized messaging platforms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
Panchkula municipal corporation plans to improve waste management after poor Swachh Survekshan ranking
1 2 Panchkula: In the wake of Panchkula's poor performance in the latest Swachh Survekshan rankings, the municipal corporation has swung into action to address the city's cleanliness crisis. A meeting of all party councillors was convened on Wednesday, chaired by mayor Kulbhushan Goyal, to discuss urgent measures for improving solid waste management and restoring the city's image. One of the key decisions taken was to enhance the existing door-to-door waste collection service, which currently covers only 61% of the city, as per national survey data. The councillors agreed to expand this coverage and invest in additional waste carts and collection vehicles to handle the growing volume of waste more efficiently. Importantly, the new carts will include two separate compartments to facilitate waste segregation at source — a category in which Panchkula scored just 20%, its lowest mark in the survey. The meeting also focused on setting up dedicated facilities for processing horticultural and general waste, aiming to reduce the burden on landfills. To streamline waste management and improve infrastructure, the MC will explore closer collaboration with the Panchkula Metropolitan Development Authority (PMDA) and Haryana Shehri Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), especially in areas that fall under their jurisdiction. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Brain tumor has left my son feeling miserable; please help! Donate For Health Donate Now Undo Goyal stressed the need for cross-party cooperation and active involvement of residents and local businesses in maintaining cleanliness. He said the administration is committed to turning things around and outlined a detailed plan that begins with providing dedicated space for segregation in waste carts, making it easier to separate wet and dry waste at the source. Measures to increase both waste collection and processing capacity were also discussed. Congress councillor Salim Dabkouri voiced concerns about the lack of infrastructure, stating that while councillors are ready to ensure public participation in their wards, the MC must first improve the segregation and collection facilities. The overall focus of the meeting was to strengthen Panchkula's waste management ecosystem, reduce pressure on landfills, and ensure a better showing in future Swachh Survekshan assessments. City Stood At 219th Rank Panchkula recorded its worst-ever national ranking of 219 in the '50,000 to 3 lakh population' category in the Swachh Survekshan, the results of which were announced on July 17. The city also suffered a major setback in the Haryana state rankings, plunging from second place in 2023 to a distant 22nd in the 2024 survey.
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
'Don't elect Muslim immigrants': Islamophobic attacks follow NFL headquarters mass shooting after Muslim NYPD officer gets killed
The tragic shooting on Park Avenue has ignited a wave of political disinformation (Getty Images) A tragic mass shooting on Park Avenue in Manhattan has become the latest flashpoint for political disinformation, with far-right voices attempting to link the attack to Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani—despite no evidence connecting him to the crime. The incident, which claimed four lives including an NYPD officer, quickly turned into a digital battlefield fueled by Islamophobic rhetoric and political fearmongering. Right-wing figures falsely blame Mamdani despite lack of evidence In the chaotic aftermath of the shooting, conspiracy theorists and conservative commentators pounced. Far-right personality Laura Loomer accused Mamdani of inspiring 'a generation of pro-Islamic cop killers,' writing on X, 'This is why you don't elect Muslim immigrants to office.' Other voices resurfaced old statements from Mamdani about defunding the police—remarks he has since walked back—to question his legitimacy as a public servant. This narrative gained traction online before facts could surface, despite the real story being far different. One of the victims was Officer Didarul Islam, a Muslim Bangladeshi immigrant and father of two, who was working security when he was fatally shot. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch called him 'a hero,' saying, 'He made the ultimate sacrifice, shot in cold blood… He died as he lived: a hero.' Muslim communities mourn while fighting rising hate In the Bronx, where Officer Islam lived, the Bangladeshi community gathered in solidarity. Nurul Islam, a community leader and friend of the fallen officer, dismissed the online hate: 'The killer is the killer. He doesn't care who is Muslim, who is non-Muslim.' Zohran Mamdani , currently visiting Uganda, responded with empathy, tweeting: 'I'm heartbroken to learn of the horrific shooting in midtown… Grateful for all of our first responders.' Supporters, including Councilwoman Shahana Hanif, blasted the bigoted narratives: 'This bigoted rhetoric dishonors the lives we lost and endangers our Muslim communities.' The Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the online hate, calling it 'blind hatred' and demanding accountability for spreading false narratives in times of tragedy. Also Read: 'Study my brain please': Shooter in NYC accused NFL of CTE, demanded brain study in suicide note after Manhattan massacre FAQs 1. Was Zohran Mamdani involved in the Park Avenue shooting ? No, there is no evidence linking him to the attack. 2. Who was Officer Didarul Islam? A Muslim NYPD officer and father, killed while working security during the shooting. 3. Why are people blaming Zohran Mamdani for the Park Avenue shooting? Right-wing commentators used his religion and past statements to push anti-Muslim narratives. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
38 minutes ago
- Time of India
State govt does U-turn on 10% EWS quota in pvt medical colleges
Mumbai: The state govt on Wednesday withdrew the 10% reservation it had introduced for economically weaker sections (EWS) in private medical colleges without increasing seats. The decision comes exactly a week after it was introduced. The quota appeared almost overnight in the folds of a brochure released just before the medical admission process kicked off. It was the first time such a move was made in private institutions, and it sent ripples among aspirants, their parents and colleges. A govt resolution released Wednesday clarified: "10% of the available seats will be reserved for EWS candidates. For MBBS/BDS/BAMS/BHMS and BUMS courses, this reservation will apply only if the central govt or respective councils increase existing seats. For all other courses, the reservation will apply to available seats." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai For many, the reversal on the EWS quota in private medical colleges came as a relief. "It's a positive decision," said parent representative Sudha Shenoy. "We appreciate this quick turnaround in the interest of all medical students." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Singapore's Hip New Dining and Drinking Spots Epicure Asia Read More Undo The pivot followed a wave of concern raised just a day earlier, when parents and students met with medical education minister Hasan Mushrif and secretary Dheeraj Kumar. They flagged their concern that the EWS quota, in its current form, would cannibalise existing reservations. Postgraduate aspirants warned that if extended to their level, it could shrink the general category to a meagre 5% of seats. "This decision brings clarity," said parent activist Brijesh Sutaria. "It aligns with the central govt's original 2019 framework—no reservation without expanding capacity. It preserves the integrity of merit while staying true to the principle of inclusion. Other states would do well to take note." Until late Tuesday evening, parents shared legal precedents with govt officials, drawing from the events of 2019. Back then, when the EWS quota was first proposed for govt medical colleges, it met with resistance— until courts ruled that such a move must be accompanied by a proportional increase in seats. Eventually, a 25% increase in capacity paved the way for its rollout—first at the undergraduate level in June 2019, then at the postgraduate level a year later. Under current rules, EWS students receive 10% reservation in govt colleges. In private institutions, they're eligible for fee waivers—50% for boys and 100% for girls.
