New Delhi, Nov. 10 -- The Election Commission has extended Model Code of Conduct (MCC) restrictions to retired government officials and individuals re-employed by state governments during the election period, following complaints that some were using their positions to influence election-related activities.
In a letter dated November 9 to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of poll-bound Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the commission directed such individuals to maintain political neutrality and stay away from election campaigning and canvassing.
The move follows complaints that retired officials engaged by state governments in various capacities had been convening meetings with officials handling election-related work during the MCC period.
Under the revised directions, these individuals cannot summon election officers from constituencies or districts where elections have been announced for official discussions. They are also prohibited from conducting video conferences or meetings with such officers.
The commission warned that any violation would be "viewed seriously" and instructed state authorities to ensure strict compliance.
The restrictions also prevent re-employed individuals from using their names, official positions or authority to favour any political party or candidate, or participating in election campaigns.
The EC further reiterated that MCC provisions extend to organisations, committees, corporations and commissions receiving full or partial government funding.
The directions seek to ensure that retired officials brought back into government roles do not exercise administrative influence in ways that could compromise the neutrality of the electoral process.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.