Tamil Nadu government restricts employees from criticizing policies

The Tamil Nadu government has reiterated restrictions preventing government employees from publicly criticizing state or central government policies, administrative decisions, or welfare schemes. According to a circular issued by the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, these restrictions apply to various mediums, including newspapers, radio, television, public gatherings, and social media platforms. The directive specifically mentions that digital content, such as memes, is subject to these rules.

Under Rule 12 of the Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973, employees are also prohibited from making statements that could strain relations with other governments or participating in unauthorized meetings where resolutions are passed. Violators may face disciplinary proceedings.

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has called for the withdrawal of the directive, arguing that it curtails democratic freedoms. In a recent state committee meeting, the party maintained that dissent and peaceful protest are constitutionally protected rights, asserting that public sector workers should be permitted to oppose policies that impact their livelihoods, such as privatization and contractual recruitment.