Chandigarh, Nov 10: The Election Commission of India has imposed strict Model Code of Conduct restrictions on retired government officers and employees appointed to various state positions in five election-bound states, including Punjab.
In a formal communication addressed to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Goa, and Manipur, the Commission clarified that retired personnel serving in official capacities are barred from participating in political activities or election campaigns. The directives explicitly state that such officers must not allow their names, titles, or authority to be used to favor any political party or candidate.
The Commission noted that while existing service rules prohibit active government servants and employees of government-funded bodies from engaging in political activities, specific guidelines were previously lacking for re-appointed retired officials. The new mandate brings all such personnel under the same neutrality obligations applicable to serving civil servants.
Additionally, state governments have been instructed not to invite election officials from poll-bound districts to official deliberations or meetings, including through video conferencing. The Election Commission warned that any breach or negligence regarding these instructions will face strict action.
