The Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation has introduced a new Code of Conduct for Civil Servants, 2083, outlining stricter standards on employee behavior, service delivery, social media usage, office discipline, and the use of government resources.

Under the newly approved code, government employees are prohibited from creating or posting photos or videos from offices, office premises, or field assignments while in official uniform, except for promotional or educational content related to official work.

The code also requires employees to use social media platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and TikTok responsibly without compromising the dignity of the civil service. Officials are barred from posting or sharing content that damages the reputation of government service, insults fellow employees, spreads misinformation, undermines public trust, or violates prevailing laws and professional ethics.

The ministry has further prohibited employees from spreading misleading interpretations of decisions made by the government or the ministry. Employees must also submit complaints or grievances through official supervisory channels or the ministry's grievance-handling mechanism rather than through traditional or social media.

The code requires civil servants to uphold honesty, integrity, and ethical conduct in both public and private life. Employees are prohibited from meeting service recipients outside the office for official matters, acting as representatives or agents for service seekers, or misusing their authority for personal, family, or institutional benefit.

It also bans the consumption of alcohol, gambling, smoking, or any other inappropriate activities within government offices or public places during official duties. Employees are prohibited from accepting gifts, hospitality, or any form of benefit from individuals or organizations connected with the ministry's work without prior approval.

The code further directs employees to complete assigned responsibilities on time while maintaining quality and efficiency, remain at their designated workplace during office hours, keep office premises clean, and wear the prescribed office uniform and identification card while on duty.

Government seals, official email accounts, passwords, keys, documents, and confidential information must be securely handled, and classified information cannot be disclosed without authorization from the competent authority.

Additionally, the ministry has instructed employees to provide fast, efficient, and respectful public services while ensuring non-discrimination based on religion, caste, gender, ethnicity, region, language, or social status. Special priority must be given to senior citizens, pregnant women, new mothers, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable service recipients.

The ministry stated that compliance with the new code of conduct will be monitored regularly by the ministry's secretary or an official designated by the secretary.