The Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU) in Hisar has issued a directive requiring all deans, directors, heads of departments, controlling officers, and branch in-charges to obtain prior approval from university authorities before sharing any university-related content with the media or on social media platforms. The order, issued by the HAU Registrar on Thursday, aims to tighten control over information flow and ensure that all publicity is routed through the Public Relations Office (PRO).
Violations to Invite Disciplinary Action
The official communication warns that any violation of these directions will invite action under the university's existing service and disciplinary rules. The letter emphasizes that information, press notes, photographs, videos, and other publicity material are not being provided to the Public Relations Office in a timely manner, which adversely affects proper publicity and dissemination of activities.
According to the communication, “Information, press notes, photographs, videos and other publicity material are not provided to the Public Relations Office in a timely manner, due to which the proper publicity and dissemination of activities is adversely affected.”
Unauthorized Sharing on Social Media
The communication further states that university-related information is at times shared publicly without authorization. It notes, “Information, orders, activities, photographs, videos and other material related to the university are at times circulated or shared on various social media platforms without the prior approval of the competent authority.”
The order specifies that prior approval of the competent authority is mandatory before disseminating or sharing any university-related information, news, orders, notifications, activities, achievements, press material, photographs, videos, or any other information through print media, electronic media, web portals, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Telegram, radio, television, or any other social media platform.
Ban on Creating Unofficial Social Media Accounts
The university has also barred employees from creating or operating social media platforms associated with the institution without prior permission. “No officer or employee shall create or operate a personal YouTube channel, Facebook page, Instagram account, WhatsApp channel, Telegram channel or any other social media platform using the university’s name, logo, monogram or indicating association with the university without prior permission of the competent authority,” the order said.
It added that official information related to the university will be disseminated only through the university’s official website, authorized social media handles, or media approved by the Public Relations Office.
Immediate Effect and Compliance
The order states that the directions come into force with immediate effect to regulate information dissemination and media management. The university has directed all concerned officers to ensure compliance with the instructions and issue necessary directions to officials and employees working under them.
