Govt employees reminded to avoid participating in election campaigns or political meeting

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 25, 2022

The West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner on Monday reminded the Government Employee that they are not allowed to take part in election campaigns, political meetings or indicate any favourtism towards any candidate or party and should remain impartial at all time.

This in pursuance to the Election Commission of India’s letter No. No.62/84, dated 6th November, 1984.

In official notice to all concerned, the Deputy Commissioner said the Government employee should not only be impartial but should also appear to be so in relation to the elections.

The Govt Employees are required to conduct themselves in such a manner as to inspire confidence in the public in regard to their impartiality so that there might not be any occasion for the people to think that the elections would not be held in a free, fair and pure atmosphere.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the Government employees should avoid giving room for any suspicion that they are favoring any party or any candidate.

They should not take part in any election campaign or canvassing and should take scrupulous care not to lend their names, official position or authority to assist one individual as against another or one group as against another.

The official notice said participation of a Government servant in a public meeting or demonstration organised by a political party would amount to participation in a political movement or activity within the meaning of Rule 20 of the Meghalaya Services(Conduct) Rules, 2019.

Any breach of these instructions will be considered as a serious act of indiscipline liable for disciplinary action.

The Govt Employees are reminded of the provisions of section 134-A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Article 134-A Penalty for Government Servants for acting as Election Agent, Polling Agent or Counting Agent: If any person in the service of the Government acts as an election agent or a polling agent or a counting agent of a candidate at an election he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months with fine, or with both.”