The Himachal Pradesh government has issued strict new guidelines mandating a formal dress code for its employees while also warning them against posting opinions on government policies on personal social media accounts. The move aims to enforce discipline, professionalism, and decorum in public service.
Formal Dress Code Made Mandatory
As per detailed instructions released by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, all government employees must wear clean, modest, and formal attire in sober colours while attending office or appearing in courts. Casual clothing such as jeans, T-shirts, and party wear has been strictly banned.
Clear Rules for Male and Female Staff
The guidelines specify that male employees should wear collared shirts with trousers or pants along with appropriate footwear like shoes or sandals. Female staff have been advised to wear sarees, formal suits, salwars, churidars, or kurtas with dupattas, along with suitable footwear. Officials made it clear that jeans and T-shirts are not permitted under any circumstances.
Rising Casual Culture Triggered Action
The government noted that many employees had increasingly been reporting to work in casual outfits, prompting the need for stricter enforcement. The directive also refers to a similar circular issued on August 3, 2017, which had laid down comparable rules, but compliance remained weak over the years.
Focus on Decorum and Professional Image
The administration stressed that employees must dress in a way that reflects their official position. The guidelines highlighted that attire should help officials “look like officers,” reinforcing the importance of modesty, grooming, and personal hygiene in government service.
Social Media Activity Under Watch
Apart from dress code rules, the government has also cautioned employees against sharing views on government policies or schemes on personal social media platforms. Staff have been advised to avoid political or religious comments in public forums, blogs, or online platforms.
Strict Warning on Sharing Information
The guidelines clearly state that no official information should be shared from personal accounts without prior approval. Any violation of these rules, whether related to dress code or online conduct, may lead to disciplinary action.
With these strict measures, the Himachal Pradesh government has signaled a strong push towards maintaining discipline, professionalism, and accountability among its workforce.
