Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis Wednesday said that the state would soon issue a Government Resolution (GR) to outline the guidelines ensuring that government officials maintain discipline while using social media.
Speaking on the floor of the legislative council, Fadnavis said there would be zero tolerance for indiscipline by government officials.He added that the digital presence and services had increased in the state, and most government services were available online, too.
“Our officers should be active on social media for engagement with citizens, but they should do citizen engagement, not indulge in personal glorification. Some government officials are seen glorifying their duty—which is not appropriate. There should be guidelines to ensure that they follow disciplined behaviour,” he said.
BJP MLA Parinay Phuke raised this issue in the legislative council and asked the government what action it had taken over the last three years against the officers using Instagram for reels and memes, bringing a bad name to the government.
Parinay Phuke also asked, “Will the government take any action against them? Will the government change or amend the existing rules? Or will the government bring in a new law altogether?”
Fadnavis said the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, would be reviewed, with the government making the new rules for social media use and introducing amendments to the existing rules.
“This is the need of the hour. In three months, appropriate amendments will be made. Wherever needed, AI will be used,” the CM said.
He said existing guidelines issued by Jammu and Kashmir, Gujarat and the institute, Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration in Mussoorie, for the use of social media will be studied and checked to see how the Maharashtra government could implement the same in Maharashtra.
According to the CM, there is, as of now, no need to create a committee of MLAs for this purpose.
(Edited by Madhurita Goswami)
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