The Social Media Policy 2024, recently introduced by the Uttar Pradesh government has provoked a contentious discussion between popular YouTubers Dhruv Rathee and Gaurav Taneja. The scheme promises high earnings—up to ₹8 lakh a month for top content creators—in exchange for using social media influencers to promote government schemes. Despite the scheme’s intention to harness the power of social media, both influencers and internet users are divided on it.
Dhruv Rathee Slams UP Government’s Social Media Policy as ‘Legalized Bribery‘
Renowned for his scathing opinions on social and political matters, Dhruv Rathee swiftly criticised the new policy implemented by the UP government. Taking to X, Dhruv rathee stated, “Uttar Pradesh Govt is saying it will pay up to ₹8 Lakh to Influencers to promote the govt. This is Legalized Bribery. From Tax Payer’s Money. Any influencer who does this should be publicly shamed.” The post has amassed over 2.6 million views.
Gaurav Taneja Defends the Scheme
On the other hand, Gaurav Taneja, a social media star and former pilot, took a more supportive stance. Gaurav Taneja challenged Rathee’s criticism and wrote, “Should all Newspapers and TV Channels, be also shamed, who show paid ads to promote any govt in power ?”
Mixed Reactions Flood Social Media
The clash between Rathee and Taneja has divided the online community, with netizens flooding the comment sections with their opinions. One user remarked, “I didn’t expect a response from you, now it’s clear that you’re also paid.” Another user sided with Taneja, saying, “I think he is right.” However, not all agreed—“Strange you don’t know the difference between advertisements and promotion by individuals!” said a third. Meanwhile, a fourth user highlighted the concern, “A party can pay with Electoral Bond Money to promote their propaganda, but using hardworking taxpayers’ money for influencers under the name of promoting government schemes is not acceptable.”
UP’s Social Media Policy 2024 Overview
The Uttar Pradesh government will choose influencers for promoting its schemes on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms in accordance with the recently approved policy. Depending on the kind of material they post and the platform, influencers can make up to ₹5 lakh on X, Facebook, and Instagram; Creators on YouTube, on the other hand, can make up to ₹8 lakh on videos and ₹4 lakh on shorts and podcasts. The goal of the policy is to use digital media to spread information about government schemes.
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.