New Delhi: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the restrictions under the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to retired government officials appointed by state or Union Territory governments in five states preparing for Assembly elections.
The directive applies to Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur, which are expected to go to polls in 2027.
In a letter sent on Tuesday to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of the five states, the Commission clarified that restrictions and prohibitions applicable to serving government employees under the MCC would also cover retired officials and other individuals appointed by state or Union Territory administrations.
Retired Officials Barred From Election Campaigning
The Commission said such officials are expected to stay away from election campaigning and activities related to soliciting votes.
It also asked them to exercise caution to ensure that their names, official positions or authority are not used to support any particular individual, political party or group.
The directive seeks to prevent government-appointed individuals from using the influence associated with their official positions in favour of political interests during the election period.
MCC Rules Also Apply To Government-Funded Bodies
The ECI further clarified that the Model Code of Conduct applies to organisations, committees, corporations and commissions receiving full or partial financial assistance from the government.
The restrictions also extend to employees working in these bodies.
The Commission pointed out that conduct rules applicable in the states already prohibit government employees from participating in political activities or elections.
Five States Preparing For 2027 Assembly Elections
The directive comes as the Election Commission steps up preparations for Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur.
In 2022, the Commission announced the election schedule for these five states on January 8, while the results were declared on March 10.
The upcoming elections are also expected to take place in 2027, although the ECI has not announced the schedule yet. Senior officials have been reviewing election preparations across the poll-bound states.
