The BJP government in Uttar Pradesh has asked its employees to stay away from the media, including social media platforms.

Devesh Chaturdevi, additional chief secretary, appointments and personnel department, has said in his order that no government employee should write or say anything in newspapers, TV channels or social media sites without taking permission from the government.

“No government employee, without prior permission, can run, manage or edit any newspaper or magazine,” the order said.

“They cannot take part in any radio programme or write for print. These rules also prevent writing or participating in media programmes anonymously,” it added.

The government has passed the order after the Lok Sabha elections.

“It was the government which was forcing its employees and officers to participate in TV shows and other media programmes to publicise the schemes of the government. There were many special shows on news channels in which officers, including policemen in uniform, used to participate and praise the government. But as the popularity of the BJP seems to have decreased, it is now intimidating those employees who have been critical of the schemes and actions of the government,” said an employee.