The Punjab government has imposed a complete ban on the use of social media by government employees in a move aimed at curbing criticism of state policies and protecting public order.
According to a circular issued on Thursday, letters were dispatched to all departments instructing civil servants to refrain from using popular platforms, including TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. The ban not only restricts employees from posting content but also from commenting on or sharing posts.
Authorities underlined that such activity could “endanger national security, disrupt law and order, or violate moral values,” making strict compliance mandatory.
The directive follows earlier reminders that government servants are bound by the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964, which prohibit political activity and unauthorized public statements. With the growing influence of digital platforms, officials have increasingly stressed the need to regulate bureaucrats’ online engagement.
Officials warned that violations of the ban could trigger disciplinary action under the Punjab Employees Efficiency, Discipline and Accountability (PEEDA) Act, which carries penalties ranging from formal warnings to suspension or dismissal from service.