Opposition slams Yogi govt for paying influencers for promotions, punishing 'objectionable' content

In India's Uttar Pradesh, social media influencers can now get up to rupees eight lakhs (over $9,500) for promoting the schemes of the state government. However, those found posting "objectionable content" can face legal action.The move has predictably triggered sharp criticism from the opposition, who has accused the state's ruling BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) of trying to stifle freedom of expression.

Opposition slams Yogi government

Samajwadi Party (SP), an opposition party slamming the UP state government, said that the policy was aimed at stifling freedom of expression.

On X the party claimed that "The BJP/Yogi government has brought a provision to give lakhs of rupees of public money to those who falsely praise the government and to give jail/life imprisonment to those who raise public problems on social media"

"What else will the public expect from a scared government? The public will strongly oppose this BJP plan to curb freedom of expression," it added.

Congress party's UP social media chairperson Pankhuri Pathak also claimed that influencers criticising the government would be punished.

"Along with this, if social media influencers put forward any views that are not liked by the government or deemed objectionable by it, then they will be punished. That means, once again, an attempt is being made by the Uttar Pradesh Government to stifle freedom of expression," she alleged.

8 lakh a month

The UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led BJP government will pay up to INR 800,000 per month to influencers. However, the exact amount would depend on the influencer's followers or subscribers across various social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube.

"The category-wise maximum payout limit for payments to account holders or operators or influencers of X, Facebook, Instagram has been fixed at Rs 5 lakh, Rs 4 lakh, Rs 3 lakh and Rs 2 lakh per month respectively," said the press note.

"The category wise maximum payout limit for videos, shorts, podcast payments on YouTube has been fixed at Rs 8 lakh, Rs 7 lakh, Rs 6 lakh and Rs 4 lakh per month respectively," it added.

However, influencers found posting "objectionable content" can expect legal action.

In a press note signed by Principal Secretary to the CM Sanjay Prasad, the UP government said: "In case of uploading objectionable content on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and YouTube, there is a provision for legal action against the concerned agency/firm as per rules. Under no circumstances should the content be indecent, obscene and anti-national".

What good can paying influencers do?

As per the UP government, the digital media policy would help create jobs.

It stated that under the policy, digital mediums like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube will be encouraged to display content promoting the state government and its schemes, and achievements.

"With the release of this policy, the residents of the state who are residing in different parts of the country and abroad will be ensured to get employment in large numbers," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)