The Election Commission of India (ECI) issues new directives restricting re-employed or otherwise engaged retired government officials from engaging in political activities during election periods. The measures take effect immediately and require compliance across states.
The rules extend the ECI’s model code of conduct requirements to retired officials working for state governments, focusing on maintaining political neutrality. Outlets vary mainly in how they frame the scope and mechanism: one report emphasizes that the EC “bars” re-employed retired officials from political activity during polls, while another highlights that the ECI extends model code restrictions to officials engaged by states and specifies they must avoid campaigning or canvassing. Another report likewise states that such retired officials fall under the model code purview, aligning with the same central policy move.
Across the coverage, the common theme is preventing potential misuse of former positions and ensuring election integrity, with the ECI warning that breaches can lead to consequences.
