In a decisive move to regulate online conduct, the Bihar government has rolled out stringent guidelines for state employees’ use of social media platforms. Approved during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Thursday, these rules aim to safeguard the dignity of public service and prevent misuse of official positions.
The General Administration Department released a detailed press note highlighting the Bihar Government Servant Conduct Rules, 1976, as the foundation for this directive. Cabinet Secretary pointed out recent instances where employees abused platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Telegram. The government views such lapses as serious threats to administrative integrity.
Key provisions of the new policy include mandatory prior approval from authorities before creating or operating any social media account, whether personal or pseudonymous. Employees must refrain from using official mobile numbers or emails for these accounts. Posting content that undermines their position’s prestige or harms the government’s reputation is strictly prohibited.
Further restrictions ban sharing personal opinions that clash with professional duties, claiming government achievements as personal feats, or endorsing specific individuals, media outlets, or policies. Sensitive information, workplace videos, live streams of meetings, or complainant interactions cannot be uploaded. No monetization through coaching, promotions, or product endorsements is allowed on personal profiles.
The guidelines also prohibit revealing confidential documents, identities of victims or juveniles, caste-religion based derogatory remarks, or offensive comments against superiors and colleagues. Symbolic protest symbols in profile pictures are outlawed. This comprehensive framework ensures disciplined digital behavior among Bihar’s vast bureaucracy.
Beyond social media, the cabinet approved 31 proposals across various departments, underscoring a productive session focused on governance enhancements.