Maharashtra Government Issues Guidelines for Employees on Social Media Usage

The state government has issued new guidelines for the use of social media for all government officials and employees. Under this, certain restrictions have been imposed on the use of social media, which all concerned employees are required to follow.

According to the circular issued by the state's General Administration Department, government officers and employees will not be able to criticize any policy, scheme, or decision on social media. Additionally, posting photos of government designations, official emblems, police uniforms, government buildings, or vehicles on personal social media accounts has been prohibited.

These rules will apply to regular government employees, contract-based employees, employees appointed from external sources, as well as officers and employees of local self-government bodies, boards, corporations, and the public sector.

The government has clearly stated that disciplinary action will be taken against the concerned officials if these rules are violated. Additionally, there is a ban on forwarding objectionable, hateful, or defamatory content. In the current digital age, social media is an influential medium. However, the government emphasizes that government employees should use it with utmost responsibility, and the new rules aim to increase discipline and credibility in the administration.

Important rules are as follows:

Government and personal social media accounts will need to be kept separate.

Promotion of schemes will have to be done through official accounts only.

Do not use apps/websites banned by the central and state governments.

Confidential documents or information cannot be shared on social media.

Information about one's own work can be given, but self-praise/appreciation must be avoided.

If transferred, the official account must be handed over to the appropriate person.