Government employees barred from using social media in Karnah

Kupwara, Sep 14: In a firm move to ensure compliance with the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), the office of the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Karnah has issued a directive mandating all government employees in the Subdivision to withdraw from social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups, Facebook, and Twitter, with immediate effect.

The directive issued vide no ROK/AE/2024/1131-37 dated September 14 follows reports of government employees actively participating in social media discussions and posting comments on political matters-actions that violate the MCC, which requires strict political neutrality from public servants during the election process.

The circular states, “All employees of this Subdivision are instructed to exit from all social media platforms, including WhatsApp groups, Facebook, and Twitter, where discussions on political activities are taking place. This directive is part of enforcing the MCC, and any violation of this order will result in strict disciplinary action”.

Moreover, SDM has directed the administrators of local social media groups to conduct an immediate review of their group memberships to ensure that no government employees, except those in official departmental groups, are part of these forums.

Group admins are warned that non compliance will also result in strict action, emphasising that the use of social media for political commentary or participation by government employees during the MCC period is strictly prohibited.