Himachal government warns SDM over endorsing products on social media
Oshin Sharma, currently serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Shimla (Urban), was found promoting commercial products through her personal handles
A 2020-batch Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HPAS) officer has been formally warned by the state government for endorsing fitness supplements and jewellery on social media, in violation of service conduct rules.
Oshin Sharma, currently serving as Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Shimla (Urban), was found promoting commercial products through her personal handles. The government held that the endorsements contravened Rule 15(1) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, which prohibits a government servant from engaging, directly or indirectly, in any trade or business.
Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta confirmed that directions were issued to Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap to formally caution the officer. She has also been instructed not to undertake any such activity in future.
The controversy erupted after photographs and videos of the SDM promoting products went viral, triggering sharp public criticism. Many questioned the propriety of a serving civil servant endorsing commercial brands while holding office. The matter was subsequently brought to the state government's notice, prompting swift action.
Following the backlash, Sharma removed the promotional content and later deactivated her social media accounts. Known for her active online presence, Sharma regularly shared motivational and informational posts and had built a sizeable following across platforms.
This is not the first time she has faced scrutiny over her public profile. Recently, an FIR was registered against unidentified persons for creating fake social media accounts in her name. In 2024, while posted as Tehsildar at Sandhol, she was directed to report to the Department of Personnel after the then Deputy Commissioner of Mandi found her performance unsatisfactory.
