Election Commission applies poll code rules to retired state-engaged officials

UPDATE - follow-up to ECI extends model code restrictions to retired Govt officials engaged by States: The Election Commission of India directed that restrictions under the Model Code of Conduct that apply to regular government employees will now extend to retired officials who are re-employed or engaged by state and union territory governments.

Details of the Directive

In letters sent to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the commission stated that such individuals must maintain political neutrality. These five states are scheduled to hold assembly elections early next year. The panel noted that there were previously no specific rules regarding the political conduct of retired staff engaged by states during the election period. Under the new directive, these individuals cannot take part in election campaigns, support any party or candidate, or summon any election-related district officer for official meetings or video conferences during the polls.

Context

The Model Code of Conduct is a set of guidelines issued by the Election Commission to regulate political parties and candidates during elections to ensure free and fair polls. State-funded bodies and their employees are routinely bound by these rules to prevent ruling administrations from using official machinery for political advantage.