The General Administration Department of the Maharashtra government on Tuesday issued a Government Resolution (GR) outlining new social media usage guidelines for all state government employees. The move aims to ensure responsible digital conduct amid the rising influence of platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, and YouTube.

The GR states that while social media serve as an effective communication tool, it is increasingly being misused for leaking confidential information, spreading misinformation, and posting political commentary — violations of existing government service rules.

According to the new guidelines, misusing social media in ways such as violating government service rules and giving negative feedback about government policies or any political event/person will not be tolerated. Breach guidelines will attract disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979.

The guidelines are applicable to all government employees, including those on deputation, contractual workers, staff of local governing bodies, public sector undertakings, and government-affiliated institutions.

Among the key provisions are:

• Separation of personal and official accounts: Employees must maintain separate personal and official social media accounts.
• Restricted access: Use of banned websites or applications is strictly prohibited.
• Authorised communication only: Only designated personnel, with prior approval, are allowed to share information about government schemes and initiatives via official channels.
• No self-promotion: Posts highlighting the success of schemes may be shared, but self-glorification is discouraged.
• Use of official symbols prohibited: Employees should avoid using government logos, names, addresses, or assets such as vehicles and buildings in social media posts, except in personal profile photos.
• No defamatory content: Sharing of offensive, hateful, defamatory, or discriminatory content is banned.
• Confidentiality required: Government documents must not be shared or uploaded without prior authorisation.
• Account transfers: Upon transfer, official social media accounts must be formally handed over.

The resolution concludes with a stern warning: any breach of these guidelines will lead to disciplinary action under the relevant service rules.

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