The Maharashtra government has introduced a comprehensive set of social media usage rules for all its employees, warning that violations will attract disciplinary action.
The circular, which has been sent to all state departments, applies not only to permanent staff but also to those on contract, deputation, and employees of local bodies and public sector undertakings.
Under the new directives, government personnel are strictly barred from publicly criticising policies of either the Maharashtra Government or the Government of India on social media platforms. The rules mandate that employees maintain separate social media accounts for official and personal use and refrain from accessing banned websites or applications.
The guidelines also prohibit staff from uploading, sharing, or forwarding any official or confidential documents — even partially — without prior approval.
Additionally, employees are not allowed to use government logos, emblems, buildings, or vehicles in personal social media content, except for profile pictures.
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram may still be used for internal coordination, but employees are cautioned against posting any material that could be interpreted as offensive, defamatory, derogatory, or communal. The circular allows for sharing posts related to government schemes or departmental work, but warns against any form of personal promotion or self-glorification.
Furthermore, the circular specifies that only authorised individuals may publish promotional content about government schemes — and only after securing approval from the appropriate authority. It also states that when an employee is transferred or leaves the job, all official social media accounts must be properly handed over to ensure continuity and compliance.
These new rules are enforced under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, and any infractions will be addressed under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979.