SDM warned for endorsing products on social media
Endorsing fitness products on social media has landed a 2020-batch Himachal Pradesh Administrative Service (HPAS) officer under the scanner, with the state government issuing a formal warning for violation of service conduct rules.
The officer, Oshin Sharma, who is currently posted as the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Shimla (Urban), was found to have promoted fitness supplements and jewellery on her social media handles. The action was taken for violation of Rule 15(1) of the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, which bars a government servant from engaging, directly or indirectly, in any trade or business.
Confirming the development, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta said directions had been issued to Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap to formally warn the officer. She has also been directed not to engage in any such activity in the future.
The controversy surfaced after photographs and videos of the SDM endorsing products went viral on social media, triggering strong public reactions. The posts sparked an intense online debate, with many users questioning the propriety of a serving civil servant promoting commercial products. The matter soon came to the notice of the state government, which moved swiftly to issue a warning.
Following the backlash, Sharma removed the promotional posts from her social media accounts and later deactivated her handles.
The officer has been known for her active presence on social media, where she regularly shared motivational and informational content. Owing to her popularity, she had amassed a large following across platforms.
This is not the first time Sharma has drawn attention for her social media activity. Recently, an FIR was registered against unidentified persons for creating fake social media accounts in her name. Earlier, in 2024, while serving as the Tehsildar at Sandhol, she was directed to report to the Department of Personnel after the then Deputy Commissioner of Mandi found her performance unsatisfactory.
