Communication with the Press.

PUBLIC (SERVICES–B) DEPARTMENT CIRCULAR No. 14877/551176-1/PD. Dated, Trivandrum, 4th January, 1977. Suh:—Kerala Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1960—Communication with the Press. Under rule 56 of the Kerala Government Servants' Conduct Rules, 1960 Government servants shall order of Government communicate directly or indirectly any official document or information to a Government servant not authorised to receive the same to any non-official person or to the Press, etc. There are similar provisions in the All India Services (Conduct) Rules also. In spite of the above rnles it has come to the notice of the Government that a Senior Officer of the State gave a press interview (without getting clearance Limit raised Rs. 25,000 vide 0.0(P) 12/2009/P&ARD. dated 14-9-2009. from the Head of the Department or the Goveniment), based on which a leading daily published an article containing cettain contentions on matter, under investigation or relating to other departments. It was improper on the part of the Officer to have expressed himself on such matters without getting clearance from his superiors. Attention of all Government Officers are again drawn to the provisions in the rules quoted above and they are directed to forbear from giving press interview without the clearance of the Head of the Departments concerned or the Government. ZACHARIA MATHEW, Special Secretary to Government.