Maharashtra Bans Govt Staff from Criticising Policies Online
• New GR Gags State Employees on Social Media
• Govt Employees Face Action for Online Criticism in Maharashtra
• Social Media Code Imposed on Maharashtra Govt Officers
Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098
The Maharashtra government has issued a new GR prohibiting state employees from criticising government policies on social media. The directive mandates separate personal and official accounts, bans use of restricted apps, and bars sharing confidential data. Violations will invite action under Civil Services Rules. Sprouts SIT is monitoring the developments.
New GR Bars Criticism of Government Policies Online
In a significant move to regulate online behavior of its workforce, the Maharashtra government has issued a comprehensive Government Resolution (GR) barring all state employees from criticising government policies on social media platforms. The order applies to regular employees, officers, contract staff, and personnel of public sector undertakings and local bodies.
The resolution mandates that all government servants maintain two separate social media accounts—one for personal use and another strictly for official communication. Employees are prohibited from using any mobile applications that are banned either by the state or the central government.
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Social Media Conduct Now Governed by Civil Service Rules
According to the GR, any violation of these norms will lead to disciplinary action under the Maharashtra Civil Services Conduct Rules, 1979. Employees are allowed to post content related to the good work done by them, but such posts must avoid self-praise or exaggeration. Officials are cautioned to act responsibly while engaging with the public through digital platforms.
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has learned that the resolution is part of a broader effort to tighten control over state employees’ digital activity, especially in politically sensitive or development-related matters.
Uniform Ban on Official Symbols and Political Commentary
Employees have been explicitly forbidden from sharing any objectionable, discriminatory, or defamatory content, or any posts that may incite hatred. The GR also prohibits posting images that include government logos, uniforms, office buildings, official vehicles, or titles that denote official designations.
Personal accounts are expected to remain professional, displaying only the employee’s personal photograph. No political commentary or criticism that undermines the integrity of the government will be tolerated.
WhatsApp, Telegram Allowed Only for Work Coordination
While messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and Telegram can be used for inter-departmental coordination, the use of any unapproved or banned apps is strictly restricted. Only authorized officers will be permitted to post content related to government schemes, public participation initiatives, or project updates—and even then, only after receiving proper clearance from competent authorities.
As per the GR, no confidential or internal documents may be shared, forwarded, or uploaded online in full or in part without prior approval. The policy also mandates that when an officer retires or is transferred, they must hand over access to the official social media accounts to their successor.
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Sprouts SIT Questions Practicality and Impact on Whistleblowers
The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has raised concerns over the implications of the GR on freedom of expression, transparency, and the protection of whistleblowers. Critics argue that while regulation is necessary to prevent misuse of government symbols and confidential data, a blanket ban on expressing dissent or highlighting flaws in policy may discourage accountability.
Legal experts and civil society groups may challenge the order on constitutional grounds, particularly in the context of Article 19, which guarantees the right to freedom of speech and expression.
Sprouts SIT will continue to monitor how this policy is implemented and whether it leads to overreach or disciplinary misuse against employees who raise genuine grievances. A deeper investigation is underway to understand the government’s internal justification behind this digital clampdown.
