ACTION IF YOU POST ANYTHING AGAINST GOVT: DGP TO COPS

Rajasthan policemen will face disciplinary action if they post or share social media messages criticising the government and its policies, a circular issued by state police chief OP Galhotra said on Monday. The notice directed officers to take strict action against anyone in the force found breaching the ban.

“Such act of policemen is violation of Rajasthan Civil Services (Conduct) Rule 1971, Section 7 and 11; and Rajasthan Police Rule 1948, Section 82; and comes under category of misbehaviour,” reads the circular from the director general of police.

The police order is similar to a Rajasthan government notice last October that prohibited officials from criticising any of its policies, programmes and decisions or making adverse comments about any department or functionary on social media.

Galhotra’s circular, which was sent to officers across ranks, mentions provisions under Rule 11 of the service code that says no staff member will criticise the government in any publication, dialogue, or public speech. Under the police rule, policemen can express personal views on social issues but cannot criticise government-approved policies.

Galhotra said the directives must be followed and policemen should be made aware of these by pasting copies of the rules on notice boards, or discussing them during roll calls at police stations and police lines.

JAIPUR: THE ORDER IS SIMILAR TO A GOVT NOTICE LAST YEAR THAT PROHIBITED OFFICIALS FROM CRITICISING POLICIES