Lucknow: The Election Commission of India has directed UP govt to ensure that retired govt officials who have been re-employed or appointed to various posts do not participate in political activities during elections.
In an order issued on Nov 9, the EC said such retired officials must follow the same restrictions as serving govt employees whenever the Model Code of Conduct comes into effect for UP Assembly elections. The EC also directed that these officials cannot call election-related officers for meetings or hold video conferences with them in districts or constituencies where elections have been announced. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in Lucknow Stay updated with the latest Lucknow news.
This means they cannot campaign for political parties or candidates, seek votes or use their official positions to favour any party. The order is particularly aimed at retired officials appointed to govt positions where no specific rules exist to regulate their political activities. Apart from Uttar Pradesh , the instructions have been issued to Uttarakhand, Punjab, Goa and Manipur which will go the polls. The Commission clarified that the restrictions also apply to employees of organisations, corporations, committees and commissions funded fully or partially by govt. The EC has asked UP govt to inform all officials concerned about the instructions and ensure strict compliance, warning that any violation would be viewed seriously. Download the TOI App.