The Odisha government has taken a strict stance against the recording of social media reels inside the state secretariat, Lok Seva Bhawan, following the emergence of online videos showing alleged violations of a New Year celebration ban. The government has termed the act as unacceptable for the high-security administrative headquarters.
Minister's Stern Warning and Forthcoming SOP
State Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan issued a clear directive, stating that filming reels within the secretariat premises is completely prohibited. He emphasized that Lok Seva Bhawan is the seat of governance and not a place for entertainment. The home department will soon release a standard operating procedure (SOP) to regulate such activities and maintain the decorum of the vital administrative zone.
Harichandan urged all employees to act responsibly and instructed security personnel to remain vigilant. He directed police personnel to promptly intervene against anyone, whether government staff or outsiders, found filming reels. The minister added that detailed guidelines would be issued by the home department if necessary.
Violations Despite Clear Ban on Celebrations
This crackdown comes after the Chief Minister's Office had announced a prohibition on New Year celebrations across all government offices on January 1. The order restricted meetings, feasts, parties, or any form of celebrations, allowing only for personal greetings. Department heads were instructed to enforce the order strictly.
Officials acknowledged that while compliance was largely observed, stray violations did occur. Some employees and visitors were found to have filmed short videos near the lawns, gardens, corridors, and even inside officers' chambers. These individuals were warned and made to delete their videos.
Experts Call for Broader Regulations
The incident has sparked calls for broader regulations across all government offices in the state. Retired police officer S K Mohanty expressed concern, noting that the craze for creating reels has also spread among uniformed personnel. He cautioned that such social media indulgence at workplaces could lead to potential security hazards.
Mohanty emphasized that zones of governance must remain free from distractions and activities that could pose risks. The state government's move signals an effort to draw a clear line between professional conduct and personal social media activity within sensitive government premises.
