The Election Commission has directed retired government employees re-employed in various capacities to follow the Model Code of Conduct, including restrictions on political activities and election campaigning.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) has issued strict directives ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections in Punjab and four other states, bringing retired government officers and employees who have been re-employed or appointed to government-related positions under the restrictions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
The Commission has written to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Punjab, Goa, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, instructing them to ensure that the directives are communicated to all concerned departments and institutions.
The Assembly elections in these five states are expected to take place in early 2027. The Commission has clarified that the restrictions will apply to the concerned individuals during the period when the Model Code of Conduct remains in force.
According to the Election Commission, retired government officers and employees who are appointed or re-employed by state governments in different capacities will have to follow the same restrictions that apply to serving government employees during the Model Code of Conduct.
The Commission said there were no specific guidelines or rules concerning the political neutrality and conduct of such individuals during the MCC period.
To address this, the Election Commission has directed that the restrictions and prohibitions applicable to government servants should also apply to retired officials who are engaged or re-employed by state governments.
The directions cover individuals serving in various capacities linked to state governments.
The Election Commission has clarified that the concerned individuals cannot participate in election campaigning or engage in political activities while the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
They are also prohibited from working in favour of any political party or candidate, or supporting one political party or group against another.
The restrictions are intended to ensure that individuals working in government-related positions maintain political neutrality during elections.
The Commission has further clarified that the Model Code of Conduct applies to organisations, committees, corporations and commissions that receive full or partial financial assistance from the government.
Their employees are also covered under the provisions of the Code.
This means that the restrictions are not limited to employees directly working in government departments. Individuals associated with government-funded institutions will also have to follow the applicable rules during the MCC period.
The Election Commission has also issued directions concerning official meetings and discussions during elections.
The concerned individuals have been instructed 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 election officials.
The Commission has stated that any action or failure to act in violation of its directives will be viewed seriously.
The Election Commission has directed the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Punjab, Goa, Manipur, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to ensure that the instructions reach all relevant departments, institutions and individuals.
The authorities have been asked to ensure strict implementation of the directives and confirm receipt of the communication.
The Election Commission has stated that the measures are aimed at maintaining political neutrality and ensuring that government-related personnel do not influence the electoral process while the Model Code of Conduct is in force.
