Employees 'caught' filming new year reels in Lok Seva Bhawan, govt issues stern warning

Bhubaneswar: State govt has issued a stern warning against recording social media reels inside Lok Seva Bhawan (secretariat), the administrative headquarters, after videos surfaced online allegedly showing some employees, including women staff, celebrating New Year despite a ban on such events during office hours.Law minister Prithiviraj Harichandan said that the home department will soon release a standard operating procedure (SOP) to regulate such activities. “Recording reels at Lok Seva Bhawan is completely unacceptable. This is not a place of entertainment. It is a high-security zone and the seat of governance. Its decorum must be maintained,” Harichandan said.The minister urged employees to act responsibly and directed security personnel to remain vigilant. “Police personnel should promptly intervene against anyone — govt staff or outsiders — filming reels. If necessary, the home department will issue detailed guidelines,” he added.On Dec 31, the chief minister’s office announced prohibition of New Year celebrations across all govt offices on Jan 1. Apart from personal greetings, there was a restriction on meetings, feasts, parties or any form of celebrations, with department heads instructed to strictly enforce the order.Officials said that while compliance was largely observed, stray violations occurred. “Some employees and visitors might have filmed short videos near the lawns, gardens, corridors and even inside officers’ chambers. They were warned. They deleted their videos as well,” an official said.Experts have called for broader regulations across all govt offices in the state. Retired police officer S K Mohanty cautioned that the craze for reels has also spread among uniformed personnel. “We often come across police personnel filming reels at workplaces. Such social media indulgence may lead to security hazards,” he said. Mohanty emphasised that governance zones must remain free from distractions and potential risks.