Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala state government has issued a stern warning to its employees, prohibiting them from adding watermarks, editing, or otherwise modifying official government orders and circulars before sharing them on social media platforms. The move comes after it was noted that several employees were circulating altered versions of documents, originally published on official government websites, across platforms like WhatsApp and Facebook.
In a circular issued by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, the government has mandated the immediate cessation of this practice. The directive, released by Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Rajan Namdev Khobragade, highlights that modifying official documents is an unacceptable act.
The circular observes that various social media groups, often including government employees, are hubs for the circulation of these edited documents. The government has instructed that any such modified orders or publications that have already been circulated must be withdrawn immediately.
Department heads have been tasked with ensuring strict compliance with this directive among their subordinate staff. The circular warns that failure to adhere to these instructions will result in departmental action against the offending employees. This measure aims to preserve the authenticity of government communications and prevent the spread of potentially altered official information.
