SRINAGAR 22 May : Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara has introduced strict regulations governing the use of social media by its staff, outsourced personnel and students, warning that violations will lead to disciplinary proceedings under applicable service rules.
The directions, issued by the Office of the Principal, follow reported concerns regarding the unauthorised sharing of institutional information and internal matters on platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), Telegram and YouTube. Instances of commentary on administrative functioning have also been noted.
The circular aligns the new instructions with existing government regulations, including Government Order No. 1646-JK(GAD) of 2017 and Circular No. 09-JK(GAD) of 2023 issued by the General Administration Department of Jammu and Kashmir. It stresses the importance of maintaining institutional discipline, professional ethics and confidentiality across GMC Handwara and its associated hospitals.
As per the directive, all categories of personnel—including faculty members, administrative staff, outsourced workers and students—are prohibited from sharing confidential information, official documents, patient records or any institution-related material on social media without prior authorisation from the competent authority.
It further bars public criticism or commentary relating to government policies, administrative decisions, institutional operations, senior officials or workplace matters on any online platform. The order states that grievances concerning service conditions, academics or patient care must be addressed strictly through official institutional mechanisms.
The circular also prohibits the circulation of content considered vulgar, defamatory, threatening, communal, political or misleading, cautioning that such material could adversely affect the reputation and functioning of the institution.
Unauthorised photography and videography within sensitive areas of the campus, including operation theatres, emergency units, patient wards and academic sections, have likewise been disallowed unless expressly permitted for official purposes.
The administration has additionally placed responsibility on administrators and moderators of institutional digital groups to ensure that no inappropriate or unauthorised content is shared, stating they will be held accountable for lapses.
The administration has warned that any non-compliance will attract action under relevant service rules.
