Meghalaya Govt barred from making comments in Social Media

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 12, 2022

The attention of the Meghalaya Government is drawn to the fact that Government employees including those posted in PSUs/ Boards/ Associations/ Corporations/ Societies wholly or substantially owned or controlled by the State Government are participating in Social Media, in direct violation of Rule 8 of the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules, 2019.

According to official circular, the Govt informed the above Rule reproduced herewith states “No Government employee shall, in any broadcast over the electronic or social media or in any document published in his own name or anonymously, pseudonymously or in the name of any other person or any communication to the press or in any public utterance make any statement of fact or opinion:

(a) Which has the effect of an adverse criticism of any current or recent policy or action of the Central Government or any State Government; or

(b) Which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and the Government of any State; or

(c) Which is capable of embarrassing the relations between the Central Government and the Government of any foreign country

Provided that nothing in this Rule shall apply to any statement made or views expressed by a Government employee in his official capacity or in the due performance of the duties assigned to him”.

It is reiterated and impressed that violation of Rule 8 of the Meghalaya Services (Conduct) Rules, 2019 will constitute a good and sufficient reason for initiating Departmental Proceedings against Government employees, found in violation of the above Rule.

All Administrative Departments/Heads of Department are to bring contents of this circular to all District and Subordinate Officers for strict compliance.

This order comes into force with immediate effect.