The Government of Himachal Pradesh has reiterated and strengthened its instructions regarding workplace discipline, emphasizing proper dress code and responsible social media usage for all government employees.
In a directive issued by the Department of Personnel from Shimla, all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, and officials across the state have been instructed to ensure strict compliance. The government noted that earlier guidelines from 2017 regarding appropriate attire are not being adequately followed.
As per the renewed instructions, employees must maintain a formal, modest, and professional appearance at the workplace. Male employees are expected to wear shirts with pants or trousers, along with appropriate footwear such as shoes or sandals. Female employees should wear sarees, formal suits, salwar-kameez, or similar attire. The government has explicitly prohibited wearing casual outfits like jeans and t-shirts in offices, stressing that dress should reflect professionalism and decorum.
Additionally, the directive highlights the importance of grooming and personal hygiene among employees to uphold the dignity of public service.
On the issue of social media conduct, the government has reminded employees of rules under the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Employees are restricted from making unauthorized comments on government policies, sharing official information without permission, or expressing political or religious views in public forums, including personal social media accounts, blogs, or vlogs.
The guidelines emphasize that any conduct deemed “unbecoming of a government servant” may invite disciplinary action. Employees must ensure that their public expressions do not criticize government policies or harm relations between governments.
Authorities have been directed to enforce these rules strictly. Any violation will be taken seriously, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be implemented based on the severity of the misconduct.
The government has urged all departments to ensure that these instructions are followed in both letter and spirit to maintain the integrity and professionalism of public service.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
