Lucknow, Nov. 10 -- The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued fresh directions to ensure political neutrality during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period, extending the code's restrictions to retired government officials and other personnel engaged or re-employed by State governments.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the Commission reiterated that government employees must not take part in any election campaign or canvassing.

The poll body said government servants must take scrupulous care not to lend their names, official position or authority to assist any individual, political party or group over another.

The Commission clari...