Sikkim Govt issues gag order on state govt employees, bars them from posting on social media

The state govt, citing the Sikkim Government Conduct Rules 1981, said that anyone found violating the provisions of the Rules would be dealt as per the law

Amid the ongoing Sikkimese Nepali identity row, the Sikkim government on Friday issued a gag order restraining state government employees from sharing their views and opinions on policies and actions of the government on social media platform.

Citing the Sikkim Government Conduct Rules 1981, the state government that is still facing a lot of heat over the Supreme Court’s observation referring to the majority Sikkimese Nepali population of Sikkim as ‘People of Foreigner Origin’ said that the Rules restrict government servants from participating in any radio broadcast, writing articles or letters in newspapers or participating in any TV shows including social media platforms without prior permission from the government.

“Lately, it has come to the notice of the State government that employees are posting reactions on the policies and actions of the Government through various social media platforms. This is in violation of the above provisions of the Sikkim Government Servant’s Conduct Rules, 1981. The State Government is deeply concerned and has viewed the matter very seriously. Therefore, it is reiterated that no government servant himself or through any other person shall be allowed to carry out such activities except with the previous sanction of the Government. Any violation of these directions shall be dealt with as per the provisions of Sikkim Government Servant’s (Discipline and Appeal) Rules 1985,” the government order said.

Of late, the PS Tamang led Sikkim government has faced a lot of criticism for its inappropriate handling of the Supreme Court hearing and the apex court ending up referring to the Sikkimese Nepali population of the state as ‘People of Foreigner Origin’. The state in the past few days saw a lot of violent protests and state-wide bandhs against the observation that now stands withdrawn but the controversy is refusing to die down.

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