SHIMLA— The Himachal Pradesh government has issued a stern directive to its employees, mandating a formal dress code and strict social media discipline. The order, released by the Chief Secretary’s office, aims to uphold professional decorum and prevent the unauthorized leak of state information or public commentary on sensitive issues.
The new regulations apply to all administrative secretaries, heads of departments, deputy commissioners, and officials across various boards, corporations, and universities.
The New Dress Code: No Jeans or T-Shirts
Citing a previous instruction from August 2017, the government emphasized that an employee’s attire is a direct reflection of professional conduct and workplace dignity.
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Prohibited Items: Employees are strictly forbidden from wearing jeans, T-shirts, casual wear, or “party” outfits during office hours or court appearances.
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For Men: Recommended attire includes formal trousers and collared shirts paired with shoes or sandals.
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For Women: Attire should consist of sarees, salwar suits, churidar-kurta, or other recognized formal clothing.
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General Standards: All clothing must be clean, formal, and in plain/sober colors. Additionally, the order stresses the importance of maintaining high standards of personal hygiene to ensure a disciplined office environment.
Social Media and Information Security
The directive extends beyond the physical office into the digital space, placing tight restrictions on how government employees engage online.
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Policy Neutrality: Staff must refrain from making comments on government policies, political matters, or religious issues on social media platforms.
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Data Security: Sharing any official documents or government information without explicit permission is strictly prohibited.
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Disciplinary Action: The state has made it clear that any violation of these dress code or conduct rules will result in immediate disciplinary proceedings.
Maintaining Workplace Dignity
The Chief Secretary’s office stated that these measures are intended to restore a sense of professionalism within the state’s administrative machinery. By standardizing appearances and curbing public political discourse by staff, the government aims to project a more unified and neutral professional front.
