Govt staff warned against engaging in poll campaigning

Thiruvananthapuram: District collector K Vasuki, who is also the district returning officer for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, has warned government employees in the district against engaging in election campaign. The district administration also issued the directive regarding the model code of conduct to be observed by government staff during election/campaign days.
Government employees are restricted from participating in any form of election campaign and are not permitted to share their political views through social media.

“Government officials should not share or comment on political news in social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook. They are also not allowed to paste poster, banners and flags in government offices and premises and should not use the official vehicle for election campaign. Till declaration of election results, officers are not allowed to convene meeting with political party leaders,” said a statement from district administration.

In another order issued on Thursday, Vasuki directed printing presses to strictly follow the guidelines for printing leaflets, posters and notices for election campaign. They were asked follow Section 127A in The Representation of the People Act, 1951, which says the campaign material should include the name and address of the printer and publisher. “The printer should submit four copies of the election campaign material and declaration as to the identity of the publisher to district election officer within three days. Steps will be taken to cancel the licence of printing press that violates the rules,” she said.