Maharashtra Government Prohibits Employees from Criticizing Decisions on Social Media
The Maharashtra government has issued a circular banning its employees from criticizing government decisions or sharing confidential documents on social media. Violators face disciplinary action.
Maharashtra GovernmentSocial MediaGuidelinesEmployee ConductDisciplinary ActionReal Estate MaharashtraJul 29, 2025
In explaining the need for these guidelines, the government noted that social media is being misused by employees, leading to violations of government service rules and the dissemination of adverse comments about government officials or political events/persons.
SOCIAL MEDIA: A BROAD CONCEPT
Social media is a broad concept that includes social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, microblogging sites like X, video sharing platforms like Instagram and YouTube, instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, and collaborative tools like Wikis and discussion forums. The ability to send information to any corner of the world and reach many people with a single click has created dangers such as sharing confidential information, spreading false and misleading information, and failing to delete information, the government circular stated.
GUIDELINES FOR GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES
The guidelines stipulate that government employees or those working on contract with government departments should not criticize the current or recent policies of the state government or any other government in India. Employees are urged to use social media very consciously and responsibly, to keep their personal and office social media accounts separate, and to avoid using websites, apps, etc., banned by the central or state government.
AUTHORIZED USE OF SOCIAL MEDIA
A person authorized by the government, with the approval of the competent authority, will be able to use only government and authorized media for the publicity of government schemes and initiatives. Messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram can be used to coordinate and communicate with the office. Posts regarding the efforts made by officers and employees to ensure the success of government/department schemes and initiatives can be posted on social media without self-promotion.
PERSONAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
Except for the profile photo, the use of official designation, logo, name/address, and government property like vehicles and buildings should be avoided while uploading photos/videos on personal social media accounts. Offensive, hateful, defamatory, and discriminatory content should not be shared/uploaded. No confidential documents, government, and office documents should be shared/uploaded in part or in full without prior approval. Official accounts should be transferred with due procedure after a transfer.
CONSEQUENCES FOR VIOLATIONS
Any employee found violating these guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979, and other relevant provisions. The government has emphasized the importance of these guidelines to maintain the integrity and efficiency of government operations and to prevent the misuse of social media platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Maharashtra government issue these guidelines?
The guidelines were issued to prevent the misuse of social media by government employees, which includes violating service rules and making adverse comments about government officials or political events/persons.
What types of social media platforms are covered by these guidelines?
The guidelines cover a broad range of social media platforms, including social networking sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, microblogging sites like X, video sharing platforms like Instagram and YouTube, instant messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, and collaborative tools like Wikis and discussion forums.
What are the key guidelines for government employees?
Key guidelines include not criticizing government policies, keeping personal and official social media accounts separate, avoiding the use of banned websites or apps, and not sharing confidential documents without prior approval.
What happens if an employee violates these guidelines?
Any employee found violating these guidelines will be subject to disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Disciplinary and Appeal) Rules, 1979, and other relevant provisions.
Can employees use social media to promote government schemes?
Yes, employees can use social media to promote government schemes and initiatives, but only with the approval of the competent authority and without self-promotion.
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