WB Govt Media Rules: The West Bengal government has issued a highly strict directive restricting all state government employees and officers from expressing their views in the media or on social media platforms. According to the memorandum No 696-PAR-HR/O/PAR(Estt)/MISC-11/2023 issued by the Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department on May 20, 2026, these rules apply to employees across all cadres, including those in autonomous bodies, corporations, and state-funded educational institutions. The directive strictly enforces long-standing conduct guidelines that prevent government servants from leaking files or openly criticizing public policies.
Table of Contents
Which Conduct Rules Have Been Re-enforced?
The government order cites Circular No. 139-CS/2026 dated May 19, 2026, issued by the Chief Secretary of West Bengal. It emphasizes the strict compliance of specific provisions under three key service rules:
- Rules 6, 7, 13(1)(f), and 17 of the All India Services Conduct Rules, 1968
- Rules 4(4), 4(5), and 5(7) of the West Bengal Service (Duties, Rights and Obligations of the Government Employees) Rules, 1980
- Rules 23, 24, 25, and 33 of The West Bengal Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1959
Five Main Activities Completely Prohibited Now
The government has reiterated total prohibition on the following activities unless prior sanction is obtained:
- Participation in Media Programs: Employees cannot participate in or associate with any privately produced or sponsored media program, including central government programs produced by outside agencies.
- Sharing Documents or Information: No direct or indirect communication of official documents or secret information to the press is allowed without a specific government order.
- Editing and Writing Articles: Employees are barred from editing or managing any newspaper, periodical, or publication. Writing columns, letters to the press, or participating in radio broadcasts is also prohibited.
- Criticism of Government Policy: There is a complete ban on making any adverse criticism of state or central government policies across all media channels.
- Straining Interstate Relations: No employee should publish or broadcast material that may strain relations between the state and central governments, other states, or foreign countries.
Impact on Government Employees
This directive has a direct impact on the day-to-day lives of clerks, teachers, police personnel, and other state employees.
- Social Media Activity: Government Employees should be extremely careful about what to share or comment on Facebook, X, or WhatsApp. Even a casual criticism of a government decision can now lead to suspension or formal disciplinary inquiry.
- Sharing Office Files: Leaking confidential office memos, draft circulars, or internal communications, even within private WhatsApp groups, is now treated as a severe violation of service rules.
- Creative Pursuits: If you are a writer or editor who regularly contributes to literary magazines, it’s highly recommended that you obtain a formal No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your department head immediately to avoid future trouble.
Quick Reference Table of New Restrictions
| Activity | Previous Status | Current Rule under Circular 139-CS |
|---|---|---|
| Media Interviews | Tolerated occasionally | Completely prohibited without prior sanction |
| Social Media Criticism | Widely done by staff | Strict prohibition, can lead to disciplinary action |
| Writing Columns / Articles | Managed privately | Requires formal, written NOC from department |
| Sharing Official Memos | Shared in groups | Serious violation of Conduct Rules |
Department: Personnel and Administrative Reforms
📥 Download Govt Order
