The edict issued by the J&K Government directing its employees to abstain from engaging in discussions or levying criticisms against any of its policies or maneuvers on social media platforms, itself calls for an analytical discussion. Such kind of blanket ban in today’s assertive society is likely to face adverse repercussions as this is something akin to putting blinders (part of animal’s tack) on horses’ eyes to prevent them from seeing to the rear and, in some cases, to the side.
The direction by the UT Administration, apparently aimed at preserving the integrity and unity of the public service, draws a delicate line between the necessity for organizational cohesion and the sacrosanct principles of freedom of expression. In an era where social media platforms have burgeoned into formidable arenas for public discourse, the potential for inharmonious voices within the government’s ranks to precipitate unwarranted controversies or undermine public confidence is palpably heightened thus dispensation’s insistence on this matter could be construed as an endeavor to nip evil in the bud. Although since ages, the governments had a single line policy to stop its work force from indulging into their criticism and also in political discussions or meetings but with the changing times, there was a need to reconsider this policy and give employees some space to vent air and in turn use the criticism to ensure better functioning and enhancing the quality of policies envisaged as this will help in making the system more robust as far as providing good governance is concerned.
Of course, such a liberty to employees can give birth to unnecessary controversies, but for that matter, the people sitting at helm are quite proficient and therefore can identify the malice in such cases and refer the same for scrutiny and strict action. The issue is inextricably linked to the fundamental right of freedom of expression, a cornerstone of democratic societies because such right not only facilitates the individuals’ liberty to articulate their thoughts and opinions but also serves as a critical mechanism for the accountability and transparency of governmental actions.
The imposition of restrictions on government employees regarding their engagement in public discourse particularly in raising questions against government policies will surely engender a profound ethical conundrum, which in the long run will encroach upon the inalienable right to expression potentially stifling constructive criticism and dissent that could probably lead to the refinement and betterment of public policies.
As far as social media platforms are concerned the same have become today’s agora, where citizens, irrespective of their affiliations, convene to debate and discuss the issues of the day. In this context, to muzzle government employees is to deprive the public discourse of potentially insightful perspectives that could emanate from their intimate understanding of policy and governance.
As far as sharing of crucial documents or anything which is not meant for public domain on social media is something which every employee is supposed to know since the day one of joining duties and therefore any such act should be dealt strictly under law because such things are unacceptable and can lead to penal action as well.
