Stay away from political activities, Rohtak DC cautions govt officials

Rohtak Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Ajay Kumar has instructed all officials and employees of the district to stay away from political activities as per the guidelines of the Election Commission of India.

232 cast vote from home

• Rohtak Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Ajay Kumar said 276 voters who were above 85 years of age or physically disabled had been identified in the district.
• On Friday, 15 teams in the four constituencies of the district helped 232 such residents cast their vote through postal ballot papers
• As per Rule 9 of Haryana Civil Services (Employee Conduct) Rules 2016, no government employee could be a member of any political party or such organisation involved in politics.
• Under Section 134 (a), if a person serving in the government acts as an election agent or polling agent or counting agent of a candidate in the election, he can be punished with imprisonment for three months or fine.

“The government officials should not participate in the campaigning of any political party or candidate directly or indirectly. If any official or employee is found involved in any such political activities, strict action will be taken against him/her as per the rules,” said the District Election Officer.

He directed the officials and employees to stay away from political activities such as campaigning for political parties, becoming booth agents, election agents or counting agents.

“According to Section 129 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, an official or employee appointed to perform any duty in connection with the election will not do any work (except voting) to promote the election prospects of any candidate in the conduct and management of the election,” the District Election Officer stated.

He pointed out that under Section 134 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, an official/employee could be punished if found guilty of violating the official duty (election duty) related to election.

“Under Section 134 (a), if a person serving in the government acts as an election agent or polling agent or counting agent of a candidate in the election, he can be punished with imprisonment for three months or fine,” said the Deputy Commissioner.

He further said as per Rule 9 of Haryana Civil Services (Employee Conduct) Rules 2016, no government employee could be a member of any political party or such organisation involved in politics.

“Along with this, he/she will not participate in any political movement or activity. If any employee is found violating these rules, action will be taken against the employee concerned as per rules,” cautioned the officer.

Rohtak Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Ajay Kumar said 276 voters above 85 years of age or physically disabled had been identified in the district.

“On Friday, 15 teams formed in the four Assembly constituencies of the district helped 232 such residents cast their vote through postal ballot papers,” Ajay Kumar said, adding that these teams would reach the homes of the remaining 44 voters on September 30.

As per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, the voters above 85 years of age or those with physical disabilities have been given the facility of voting from home through postal ballot.

“This is a welcome initiative by the Election Commission and facilitates the elderly and disabled residents to vote from their home,” said Ramdhari Khokhar, a 90-year-old retired schoolteacher from Rohtak.