Employees of Maharashtra government can no longer criticize the existing or previous policies of any other system of the state government or the country. According to the new social media guidelines, employees will have to have different accounts for personal and official use. They should not use apps that are banned from the state government or the Center. A government proposal (GR) also said that employees who violate these rules will be taken action under Maharashtra Civil Services Conduct Rules 1979.
The order said that the state government employees should use social media very responsibly. Officers can post about their good work, but it should be taken care that it should not be self-appreciated. These rules will apply to the employees and officers, local bodies, contract employees and public sector undertakings of the state government.
‘Will not be able to use any applied app’
The government order further states that the employees of the state government should not upload objectionable, discriminatory, defamable material or hatred posts. There should be nothing but a picture of the employee in a personal account. In the government order, employees have been asked not to post any such post on social media in which pictures or designations of official properties like government logo, uniform or office building or vehicle are appearing. They should not use any apps banned by the state government or the Center.
‘WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps can be used’
Employees can use WhatsApp, Telegram and other messaging apps to coordinate official functions. Only authorized officers from the government can use official media to promote government schemes, projects and public participation with the approval of the competent authority.
‘The official social media account will have to be handed over to your successor officer’
The government order states that without prior permission or any confidential doseer, official documents cannot be partially or fully uploaded, forward or shared. Employees will have to submit their official social media account to their successor officer before retirement or transfer.
