In a move that has sparked a flurry of reactions, the Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled a new set of media guidelines for its officers and employees.
The guidelines, issued by Additional Chief Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, mandates that government employees must seek official permission before engaging in any form of writing for print or digital media.
This significant policy shift, aimed at regulating the flow of information and maintaining a cohesive public narrative, places stringent controls on the content that can be publicly shared by government employees.
Under the new guidelines, any attempt to write articles, opinion pieces, or commentaries in newspapers, magazines or online platforms now requires prior approval from the government.
The rationale behind this move is to ensure that information disseminated by government employees aligns with official stances and policies, thereby preventing the inadvertent release of sensitive or conflicting information.
However, the directive is not an absolute gag on all forms of expression. Recognising the importance of creative and intellectual freedom, the government has explicitly excluded artistic, literary and scientific articles from this restrictive mandate.
This exception allows government employees to continue contributing to cultural and scientific discourse without seeking prior approval, provided their writings do not touch upon political or administrative matters.
The announcement, made public through an official order from Additional Chief Secretary Devesh Chaturvedi, has ignited a spectrum of responses from various quarters. Supporters of the guideline argue that it is a necessary measure to maintain the integrity and uniformity of governmental communication. They believe it will help prevent the spread of misinformation and ensure that all public communications are consistent with the official line.
On the other hand, critics of the policy have voiced concerns over the potential implications for freedom of expression. They argue that such stringent controls could stifle the voices of those within the government who might offer valuable insights or constructive criticism. The fear is that this move could lead to a culture of silence and compliance, where dissenting voices are discouraged and innovation stifled.
“In light of these new regulations, government employees who wish to write on matters of governance, policy, or any other topic outside the artistic, literary, or scientific scope must now navigate an additional layer of bureaucracy. This involves submitting their proposed writings for review and awaiting official clearance before publication. The process is intended to be straightforward but adds a significant step to the creative process for those affected,” a senior official said.
