The Election Commission has said that restrictions and prohibitions applicable to serving government employees under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) will also apply to retired government officials and other individuals engaged in various capacities by State and Union Territory governments.

 

The Commission has written a letter to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in this regard where Assembly elections wil be held next year.

 

The Commission said such individuals must maintain political neutrality and refrain from participating in election campaigns or canvassing. 

 

The Commission also said that such individuals shall not summon any election related officer of the constituency or district where elections have been announced, for any official discussions or meetings or hold video conferences with any such officer.

 

The Poll Body added that the provisions of the MCC apply to all organizations, corporations and commissions funded wholly or partially by the Government and their employees.

 

It said, the relevant Conduct Rules, in the States, prohibit the Government servants from taking part in political activities and elections.