The Union government has issued a fresh warning to its officials over leaks of sensitive information. Last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sent a classified note to secretaries of all ministries and departments. The note updates a circular first issued in December 1998, Hindustan Times reported.
This time, the advisory carries a stronger message. It warns of possible action under the Official Secrets Act (OSA) for violations. The move comes amid what the government described as a "spurt" in incidents of sensitive information being leaked to unauthorised or undesirable elements. Officials said such leaks could harm national interest, affect security, and embarrass the government. The note was circulated in the second week of January.
Stronger warning than 1998
The original 1998 circular was advisory in nature. It did not mention proceedings under the OSA. The new note, sent nearly three decades later, marks a clear shift in tone.
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Both versions, though issued years apart, refer to recent government leaks at the time they were circulated. The latest note reiterates that leaking official information is a violation of Rule 11 of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, as per HT.
Rule 11 states that no government servant shall communicate any official document or information to anyone without authorisation, unless it is part of official duty carried out in good faith.
Media interaction under watch
The note also lays down fresh instructions on dealing with the media. Officials have been asked to direct queries from journalists to the Press Information Bureau (PIB) or seek the secretary's approval before responding. It suggests creating designated areas within government offices for media interactions, HT reported.
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The development comes days after a cabinet discussion on a possible 20-year cooling-off period for people in positions of power before writing books or memoirs. The discussion reportedly followed controversy around former Army chief General Manoj Naravane's unpublished memoir, 'Four Stars of Destiny'.
