The ADC Bhandari has issued an order notifying government employees to refrain from actively participating in political/campaigning activities.

In an order issued on May 17, the ADC Bhandari Longtiba L Sangtam, NCS mentioned that some of the Government servants have been indulging in political activities and canvassing/campaigning for various political parties/candidates for the Bhandari Town Council Election, 2024.

“It has, therefore, become necessary to draw the attention of all concerned to Rule 24 (1) (2) of the Nagaland Government Servant Conduct Rules, 1968 which debars a Government Servant to become a member of or be otherwise associated with any political party or any organization which takes a part in political activities/canvassing or otherwise interfere with or use his/her influence in connection with or stand as a candidate, etc.,” stated the Order.

The mentioned rule under the Nagaland Government Servant Conduct Rules, 1968 says:-

Rule 24.-TAKING PART IN POLITICS AND ELECTION:-

(1) No Government servant shall be a member of, or be otherwise associated with any political party or any organization which takes part in politics nor shall he take part in, subscribe in aid of, or assist in any manner, any political movement or activity, candidate or take part in an election to any legislature or local authority.

(2) No Government servant shall canvass or otherwise interfere with, or use his influence in connection with or stand as candidate or take part in an election to any legislature or local authority:

(i) Provided that- A Government servant qualified to vote at such election may exercise his right to vote, but where he does so, he shall give no indication of the manner in which he purposes to vote or has voted.

(ii) A Government servant shall not be deemed to have contravened the provision of this rule by reason only that he assists in the conduct of an election in the due performance of a duty imposed on him by or under any law for the time being in force.

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NOTE 1. The display by a Government servant on his person/vehicle/residence of any electoral symbol shall amount to using his influence in connection with an within the meaning of this rules.

NOTE 2. A Government servant who has remon to believe that attempts are being made to induce him to break the provision of this rule by or on behalf of an official superior or superior shall report the facts to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Nagaland

NOTE 3. Proposing or seconding the nomination of a candidate at an election or neting as Polling Agent shall be deemed as active participation in the election.

NOTE 4. If any question arises about whether any movement or activity falls within the scope of this rule, the decision of the government thereon shall be final.

The ADC order, therefore, emphasised that the government employees maintain absolute political neutrality and appear to do so. “They should not participate in the activities of/or associate themselves with any organizations in respect of which there is the slightest reference or think that the organization has a political aspect. If any specific complaints are received stern action should be taken against the delinquent government servants and same shall be viewed seriously for contravention of Rule 24(1)(2) of the Nagaland Government Servant Conduct Rules 1968,” stated the order addressed to all the Government Servants posted in Bhandari Town jurisdiction for strict compliance.