Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 10: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed retired government officials re-employed or engaged by state governments in various capacities to maintain strict political neutrality during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period.
In a communication addressed to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, where Assembly elections are scheduled in 2027, the poll body clarified that such individuals must not participate in election campaigns, canvassing or any activity that could indicate support for a particular political party or candidate.
The Commission has also prohibited them from using their names, official designations, positions or authority to favour any individual, political party or group during the election period.
Explaining its existing instructions on the conduct of government employees during elections, the ECI said public servants are expected to remain impartial and avoid activities that could influence voters or provide an advantage to any political organisation.
"The Commission has in the past, in respect of the conduct of Government employees, issued instructions stating that they are not expected to take part in any election campaign or canvassing and should take scrupulous care not to lend their names, official position or authority to assist one individual/political party/group as against another," it stated.
The poll body further clarified that the MCC provisions are not limited to regular government departments and employees but also cover organisations, committees, corporations and commissions receiving full or partial government funding, along with their employees.
It pointed out that the relevant Conduct Rules applicable in the states already prohibit government servants from participating in political activities and election campaigns.
However, the Commission noted that retired government officials, officers and employees engaged, employed or re-employed by state and Union Territory governments in various capacities were not covered by specific guidelines governing their political neutrality and conduct during the MCC period.
To address this gap, the ECI has extended the restrictions applicable to serving government employees to retired officials working with state and Union Territory administrations. They will now be required to follow the same standards of political neutrality and refrain from all activities prohibited under the MCC.
The Commission has also specifically barred such individuals from summoning election-related officials posted in constituencies or districts where elections have been announced for official discussions or meetings. They cannot conduct video conferences or hold meetings with such officials during the MCC period either.
"Any omission or commission of any act in contravention of the Commission's directions shall be viewed seriously," the ECI warned.
Emphasising strict compliance, the poll body has directed the concerned state administrations to circulate the communication among all relevant departments, organisations and individuals to ensure that the instructions are implemented without exception.