In a move aimed at regulating the social media conduct of public servants, the Maharashtra government on Monday issued a detailed government resolution (GR) prohibiting state government employees from making critical comments on any policies of the state or central government — current or previous — on social media platforms.The directive, issued by the state government’s General Administration department, applies to all state government employees, including those on deputation, working on contract, and even those recruited through external sources. The guidelines also extend to personnel of local self-government bodies, corporations, boards, and public undertakings.The GR issued on Monday states, “Government employees are strictly prohibited from making critical or adverse comments on the functioning, actions, or policies of the state or central government — be it current or recent. Such acts will be treated as a violation of the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, and will invite disciplinary action,” the circular warns further instructing the officials to use the social media accounts consciously and responsibly, ensuring they do not compromise the dignity or neutrality of public service.The circular states that “posting, sharing, or forwarding of any objectionable, hateful, defamatory, or discriminatory content is strictly prohibited. No confidential or official documents — either in part or whole — may be shared, uploaded, or forwarded on any platform without prior authorisation or approval”.The GR also instructs the officials and personnel to maintain separate personal and official social media accounts, avoiding any overlap between private opinions and official duties.Officials are also strictly prohibited from using websites, apps, or platforms banned by the central or state government, even in personal capacity.“Only authorised personnel, and that too with prior approval from competent authorities, are permitted to disseminate or promote government schemes, programmes, and initiatives via official digital channels. No employee may use unofficial platforms for such activities. Messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram may be used for internal coordination and communication, but not for external outreach or unauthorised information sharing,” the GR stated.Story continues below this adAdding that the social media should not be used for self promotion, the GR stated, “While employees are permitted to share updates about collective efforts or successful implementation of schemes, care must be taken to avoid any form of self-praise or individual glorification. Officials may post about noteworthy government work, but the content must not be self-congratulatory in nature.”The circular instructs the government employees to not use government identity in personal accounts. “On personal social media accounts, apart from profile pictures, government designations, logos, uniforms, buildings, vehicles, or any official property must not be featured in photos, videos, or reels,” it added.When transferred, employees are instructed to appropriately hand over control of official social media accounts to successors.“Any breach of these guidelines will invite disciplinary proceedings under the Maharashtra Civil Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1979, or other applicable service regulations,” the GR states.Story continues below this adConsidering the widespread influence of digital platforms, the government stated that social media has become an essential tool for information exchange, public engagement, coordination and communication. Platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Telegram, wikis, and discussion forums are widely used not just by citizens, but also by government functionaries.However, the same accessibility and instant reach that make social media effective also pose serious risks — including the unauthorised dissemination of confidential information, spread of false or misleading content, and potential violations of the conduct expected of public officials.“These guidelines apply to all officers and employees in Maharashtra government service, including those on deputation, contract, or hired through external agencies. The same applies to personnel in local bodies, corporations, boards, and public sector undertakings,” the order said.