‘Influencer’ SDM deactivates social media accounts amid row over product promotion

The 32-year-old is an active social media user and had over nine lakh followers on multiple platforms, 3.74 lakh on Instagram, 3.71 lakh on Facebook, over one lakh on X, and and approximately 65,000 subscribers on YouTube.

A row erupted after she shared short video of unboxing nutritional supplements and protein bars, apparently targetting gym goers, on her official social media accounts. Several social media users asked how an administrative officer, drawing salary from government, was being allowed to promote such things. It was alleged that such promotional activity was in direct violation of the Civil Services Conduct Rules 15(1), which prohibits government servants from engaging directly or indirectly in any trade, business, or other employment, or holding elective office or canvassing, without prior sanction.

A senior officer, privy to the developments, said, “The issue came to the knowledge of the Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta through the media reports and a formal ‘complaint’. The chief secretary directed Shimla Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap to look into this matter. Kashyap in turn asked Sharma not to engage in any such activity in the future”.

Chief Secretary Gupta confirmed that he had asked the Shimla DC to look into the matter. When asked if any notice has been issued to Sharma, Gupta said, “It is too early to say. The matter is under consideration.”

Sharma, meanwhile, accepted that she did post videos about certain products on her social media account “because I have been using these products” for the last one year. “I didn’t have the intention to promote these products in any way, especially commercially. I deactivated my accounts as my seniors said that some of the posts were not in the public interest,” Sharma told the Indian Express.

The young officer, however, is not new to controversies. In September 2024, Sharma, who was then serving as Tehsildar at Sandhol in Mandi, was transferred without a designated posting. While administration had not cited any reason behind the abrupt transfer, it was alleged that she had been served a notice over pending official work while prioritising social media activities.