Himachal Pradesh Govt Faces Criticism Over New Dress Code and Social Media Rules for Government Employees

The Himachal Pradesh government, led by Congress, has come under criticism after introducing new guidelines imposing restrictions on government employees’ dress code and social media activity.

Under directions issued by Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, employees have been instructed to adhere strictly to formal attire in offices and courts. The guidelines explicitly bar wearing casual clothing such as jeans and T-shirts, mandating “decent and formal” dress in subdued colours.

As per the rules, male employees are required to wear collared shirts, trousers, and proper footwear such as shoes or sandals. Female employees have been advised to wear sarees, formal wear, salwar suits, churidars, or kurtas with dupattas, along with appropriate footwear. The government has also directed that employees should not attend official duties in casual outfits.

The move has drawn criticism from various quarters, with people arguing that the policy places undue emphasis on appearance over job performance. Critics have also accused the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of following outdated practices that infringe on individual freedom.

In addition to dress code restrictions, the government has issued guidelines regulating employees’ use of social media. Staff have been instructed not to comment on government policies online and are barred from sharing official information through personal accounts without prior approval. Authorities have also called for maintaining “discipline” in online conduct.

Opponents of the move say the measures could curb personal expression and limit employees’ ability to voice opinions, raising concerns about freedom of expression and democratic values in the state.