J-K administration prohibits employees, their kin from criticizing government on social media

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has taken a strict stance, instructing its employees to abstain from criticizing government policies on social media platforms, as reported by The Tribune.

A circular issued on Sunday emphasizes that government employees must refrain from posting content that is critical of the government or its actions. The directive specifically prohibits sharing political, anti-secular, or communal content. Moreover, employees are barred from following or subscribing to accounts that engage in such content.

Restriction on family members

The scope of the circular extends to family members of employees, emphasizing that they too are prohibited from engaging in activities on social media that undermine the established government. Employees are warned against sharing confidential information or official documents without proper authorization.

However, the circular permits employees to use social media platforms to dispel misconceptions, defend government policies, and counter seditious propaganda.

Violation of service rules

The issuance of this circular comes after instances were observed where employees violated service rules by expressing disparaging views on prohibited topics.

This move is not unprecedented, as in 2017, guidelines were introduced to prevent employees from engaging in political activities on social media. Moreover, in March 2021, the administration mandated the vetting of social media accounts of new employees before salary disbursement.

The circular also addresses other concerning behaviors on social media, such as posting vulgar, obscene, or threatening content against colleagues, and participating in potentially malicious social media contests.