ECI Brings Retired Officials Under MCC Rules

The Election Commission of India (ECI) has extended the restrictions of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) to retired government officials and other individuals working in various capacities for State and Union Territory governments.

The move aims to ensure political neutrality during the election period, particularly ahead of Assembly elections scheduled next year in Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

In a communication to the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of these states, the Commission directed that retired officials and other government-engaged individuals must stay away from election campaigning and canvassing.

They have also been barred from calling election-related officials at the constituency or district level for official meetings, discussions or video conferences once elections are announced.

The ECI clarified that these restrictions will cover organisations, corporations and commissions receiving full or partial government funding, along with their employees.

The Commission further emphasised that existing service conduct rules prohibit government employees from participating in political activities or election-related campaigning.