New Delhi/Alive News: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed that restrictions applicable to serving government employees during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will also apply to retired government officials and employees appointed or reappointed by state governments to various positions.
The move aims to ensure political neutrality during elections and prevent individuals holding government-appointed positions from influencing the electoral process.
The Commission has communicated the directive to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In its letter, the ECI referred to its earlier instructions issued on November 6, 1984, and April 6, 1991, regarding the conduct of government employees during elections. These instructions state that government employees must not participate in election campaigns or use their names, official positions or authority to support any individual, political party or group.
The Commission also clarified that the Model Code of Conduct applies to organisations, committees, corporations and commissions that are fully or partly funded by the government, as well as their employees. Service conduct rules in various states also prohibit government employees from participating in political activities and elections.
However, the Commission observed that there were no specific guidelines governing the political conduct of certain individuals appointed or reappointed by state and Union Territory governments, including retired government officers and employees, during the Model Code of Conduct period.
To address this gap, the ECI has decided that the same restrictions and prohibitions applicable to serving government employees will also apply to these individuals throughout the Model Code of Conduct period.
Under the new directions, such individuals must not call election-related officials from constituencies or districts where elections have been announced for official discussions or meetings. They are also prohibited from holding meetings or conducting video conferences with such officials.
The Commission has warned that any violation or failure to comply with these instructions will be viewed seriously. It has directed the concerned authorities to circulate the orders among all relevant officials for strict compliance and acknowledge receipt of the communication.
