The Establishment Division has issued a new directive barring government employees from using social media without prior authorization, aiming to prevent the disclosure of sensitive information and protect the reputation of the government. This memorandum, issued on Tuesday, reinforces the existing Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and outlines stringent guidelines for public servants’ social media use.
According to the memorandum, government employees are prohibited from expressing opinions or sharing information on social media that could impact the government’s reputation. This restriction includes any commentary on government policies, decisions, national sovereignty, and dignity. The guidelines explicitly state that public servants are not permitted to discuss or critique government matters online without explicit permission.
The directive underscores that employees must refrain from sharing official documents and confidential information with unauthorized individuals or entities. Furthermore, it prohibits employees from engaging with the media in ways that could potentially harm international relations. The goal is to prevent any actions that could lead to the dissemination of sensitive or damaging information.
The memorandum highlights that the new guidelines are not intended to stifle the positive use of social media. The government acknowledges that social media can be a valuable tool for communication and engagement, but it stresses that such use must be managed within the bounds of official policy. The directive emphasizes that the restrictions are designed to curb the potential for misuse that could arise from unregulated online activity.
To ensure compliance with these new rules, the memorandum directs government institutions to actively monitor their social media platforms. The monitoring will focus on identifying and removing any content deemed objectionable or in violation of the new guidelines. Institutions are also tasked with enforcing these rules across all levels of government services, including federal secretaries, additional secretaries, heads of departments, and chief secretaries.
The memorandum further outlines that any breach of these guidelines could lead to disciplinary action, including misconduct proceedings against the offending employees. This strict stance reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining confidentiality and protecting its public image from potential harm caused by unauthorized social media activity.
The directive aims to address concerns over the increasing use of social media by government employees for personal opinions and debates, which has sometimes led to controversies and conflicts. By implementing these restrictions, the government seeks to ensure that all public servants adhere to a professional code of conduct that aligns with their roles and responsibilities.
In conclusion, the new guidelines on social media use for government employees are part of a broader effort to maintain the integrity and security of governmental operations. While the restrictions are intended to prevent misuse and protect sensitive information, the government has clarified that they do not aim to eliminate constructive or positive engagement on social media. Instead, the focus is on ensuring that all online interactions by public servants are conducted in accordance with established rules and regulations.
