The Odisha government has issued a strict directive prohibiting the creation and sharing of social media content, including reels, videos, and photographs, within the premises of three crucial administrative buildings in the state capital, Bhubaneswar. The order, released on Saturday, warns of disciplinary and administrative action against anyone found violating the rule.
Security and Decorum Cited as Primary Reasons
The state's Home Department clarified that the Lok Seva Bhawan, Rajiv Bhawan, and Kharavel Bhawan are designated as high-security zones and sensitive government establishments. The official order stated that creating personal content on these premises "affects the decorum, discipline, and integrity of the office environment" and could potentially damage the image and dignity of the government.
The restriction applies universally to all individuals present within these buildings, including:
- Permanent employees and officials
- Contractual staff members
- Visitors and guests
- Any other person on the premises
Strict Action for Violations
The government order leaves no room for ambiguity regarding the consequences of non-compliance. It explicitly states that "any violation of this order shall be viewed seriously" and may lead to appropriate disciplinary and administrative measures as per existing rules. This move underscores the administration's intent to enforce a professional and secure working environment in these key governance centers.
SOP in the Pipeline
This decisive action follows a statement made by Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday. The minister had announced that the government would soon formulate a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to regulate such activities in government offices. He emphasized that "recording reels at Lok Seva Bhawan is completely unacceptable," describing the building as the seat of governance and not a place for entertainment. His comments highlighted the necessity of maintaining the solemnity and security of the state's administrative nerve center.
The government's crackdown reflects a growing concern over the blending of personal social media activities with official, sensitive workspaces. By instituting this ban, the Odisha administration aims to reinforce protocol, safeguard security, and preserve the formal dignity expected in its core government complexes.
