The Punjab government has restricted its officers from expressing their personal opinions and making comments on the conventional as well as social media, according to a notification issued by the Services and General Administration Department.
In view of the increasing trend of using social media among the newly recruited government officers, the Punjab government has imposed a ban on Grade 17 officers, including assistant commissioners, on giving comments and expressing their opinion on social media and media.
The Services and General Administration Department has issued a letter to the officers. The letter says that according to the civil services rules, giving statements in the media and social media based on one's personal opinion is a violation of the rules.
It further says that young officers hired in Grade 17 represent the Punjab government. It has been observed that the new recruits are quite active on social media.
Making statements on social media platforms, including TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, is a violation of the services rules.
The letter says that irresponsible statements made by officers harm national security, so all Grade 17 officers will not share their views, statements, information sharing or documents and videos on social media.
It also warned that strict action will be taken against those violating these instructions.
