The Election Commission has extended MCC restrictions to retired government officials in poll going states of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Goa and Manipur. (Img: X)
New Delhi: The Election Commission (EC) on Tuesday extended the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restrictions to retired government officials engaged by the governments of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttakhand, Goa and Manipur. The five states are set to go for Assembly elections in 2027.
The EC communicated its directions in a letter to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of five states.
"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," the Commission said.
It further clarified that the provisions of the MCC apply to all organisations, committees, corporations and commissions funded wholly or partially by the government, as well as their employees. The EC noted that the relevant rules in the states prohibit government servants from participating in political activities and elections.
However, it pointed out that there were no specific guidelines or rules governing the political neutrality and conduct of retired government officials, officers and employees engaged, employed or re-employed by state or Union Territory governments in various capacities.
To address this gap, the EC directed that the restrictions and prohibitions applicable to serving government servants would also apply to retired government officials and employees engaged by state or UT governments during the MCC period.
The Commission also directed state governments not to summon election-related officers from constituencies or districts where elections have been announced for official discussions or meetings.They have also been prohibited from holding video conferences or meetings with such officers.
Warning of strict action, the EC said "Any omission of commission of any act in contravention of Commission's directions shall be viewed seriously". The letter added that the instructions must be brought to the notice of the concerned to ensure strict compliance."
