Himachal Govt Enforces Formal Dress Code, Restricts Employees’ Social Media Expression.
Shimla:
In a move aimed at reinforcing discipline and professionalism within the bureaucracy, the Himachal Pradesh Government has introduced a strict dress code for its employees, prohibiting casual attire such as jeans, T-shirts, and party wear in offices and courts. The directive also places new restrictions on employees’ conduct on social media, barring them from expressing opinions on government policies or engaging in political or religious commentary in public forums.
The order was issued through a formal communication by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta to all administrative secretaries and heads of departments. The directive mandates that government employees must adhere to “appropriate, formal, clean, modest, and decent clothing in sober colours” during official duties.
Clear Guidelines for Attire
Under the new guidelines, male employees are required to wear formal outfits such as shirts paired with trousers or pants, preferably collared, along with appropriate footwear like shoes or sandals. Female employees are instructed to opt for traditional or formal wear, including sarees, salwar suits, churidars, or kurtas with dupattas. Trousers and shirts are also permitted, provided they align with the standards of modesty and professionalism. Acceptable footwear includes chappals, sandals, or shoes.
The government emphasized that the dress code is intended to uphold decorum and maintain a professional work environment. It also calls on employees to pay attention to personal grooming and hygiene as part of their official conduct.
Reinforcing Existing Rules
The order notes that similar guidelines were issued in 2017 but were not consistently followed by employees. The renewed emphasis suggests the government’s intent to ensure stricter compliance. Notably, a separate dress code for teachers had already been implemented last year.
Social Media Restrictions
Alongside dress regulations, the directive introduces firm restrictions on employees’ behavior on social media. Government staff have been instructed not to express personal opinions on government schemes or policies through their private accounts. They are also barred from making political or religious statements on any public platform, including vlogs and social media channels.
The Chief Secretary highlighted that such restrictions are essential to maintaining the integrity, neutrality, and impartiality expected of public servants.
Disciplinary Action for Violations
Employees have been advised to comply with the guidelines “in letter and spirit.” The government has made it clear that any violation—whether related to dress code or social media conduct—will attract disciplinary action.
This move reflects a broader effort by the state administration to reinforce institutional discipline and ensure that public servants project a professional and neutral image both offline and online.
