Maharashtra govt bans staff from criticizing state policies publicly

The Maharashtra government has issued a directive barring its employees from publicly criticizing or expressing dissent against the policies of the state government. This new rule applies to all categories of government staff, including those in administrative, clerical, technical, and field-level roles. The move has sparked a debate over the balance between an employee's right to freedom of speech and the need for discipline and neutrality in public service.

According to the official government resolution (GR), any statement, comment, or opinion made by government employees—whether in public forums, on social media platforms, or in interactions with the press—that is critical of government policies or decisions will be considered a violation of service conduct rules. The government has emphasized that such actions could lead to disciplinary measures, including suspension, demotion, or even termination, depending on the severity of the infraction.

The directive cites the Maharashtra Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1979, which outline the dos and don'ts for government employees. These rules already include clauses restricting public statements against the interest of the government, but the latest order is a clear reinforcement of those provisions in the age of social media and digital communication. In recent years, instances of government employees posting critical opinions about policy decisions, governance, or political leadership have grown, prompting stricter control from authorities.

Officials defending the move argue that government servants are expected to remain neutral and loyal to the state machinery, regardless of their personal beliefs. They claim that public criticism by employees could erode trust in the administrative system and potentially disrupt governance. Furthermore, with social media enabling posts to go viral instantly, even a single tweet or Facebook post can trigger controversy or spread misinformation.