Guidelines cover all government staff including contractual and deputation
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:
The resolution concludes with a stern warning: any breach of these guidelines will lead to disciplinary action under the relevant service rules.
