EC extends MCC restrictions to retired officials, government appointees

The Election Commission has extended Model Code of Conduct restrictions applicable to serving government employees to retired officials and others engaged by state and Union Territory governments. They must maintain political neutrality and refrain from election campaigning or canvassing

New Delhi: The Election Commission on Tuesday said 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 by state and Union Territory governments.

In a letter to the chief secretaries and chief electoral officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, all five of which will go to polls early next year, the Election Commission (EC) said such individuals must maintain political neutrality and refrain from participating in election campaigns or canvassing.

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The MCC provisions apply to all organisations, committees, corporations and commissions funded wholly or partially by the government, as well as their employees.

The relevant conduct rules in the states prohibit government servants from taking part in political activities and elections, the letter said.