The Election Commission has extended Model Code of Conduct restrictions to retired government officials and other individuals engaged by state and Union territory governments, ahead of elections in 5 states.
The restrictions, which already apply to serving government employees, require the affected individuals to maintain political neutrality during the election period. They must also stay away from election campaigns and canvassing.
The Election Commission announced the decision on Tuesday in a letter addressed to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
All 5 states are scheduled to go to polls early next year. The directive therefore places retired officials working with state governments under the same election-related restrictions that apply to serving government employees.
Who is covered by the directive?
The order applies to retired government officials and other individuals engaged by state and Union territory governments. It extends the relevant restrictions and prohibitions under the Model Code of Conduct beyond the serving government workforce.
The Election Commission’s instruction requires those covered to remain politically neutral. They are also prohibited from participating in election campaigns or canvassing.
The letter was sent to the senior administrative and election authorities in the 5 states preparing for the upcoming polls. These include the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Why the order matters
Government employees are expected to function impartially during elections. By extending the same restrictions to retired officials and other people engaged by governments, the Election Commission has clarified that their official association does not permit campaign activity or political canvassing.
The measure is particularly relevant in the 5 states named in the letter, where election preparations are underway for polls early next year. The next step is for the concerned state authorities and covered individuals to follow the Election Commission’s direction during the election process.
Conclusion
The Election Commission has brought retired officials and other government-engaged individuals under the Model Code of Conduct restrictions applicable to serving employees, requiring political neutrality and a stay away from campaigns and canvassing in the 5 poll-bound states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which states are covered by the Election Commission’s letter?
The letter covers Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
Q. Who else must follow the restrictions?
Retired government officials and other individuals engaged by state and Union territory governments must follow them.
Q. What conduct is required under the directive?
Those covered must maintain political neutrality and refrain from participating in election campaigns or canvassing.
Q. When are the 5 states scheduled to vote?
The 5 states are scheduled to go to polls early next year.
