ECI extends poll-time political restrictions to retired officials, bars meetings with election officers

New Delhi, Nov 10 (UNI) The Election Commission of India has tightened the norms governing political neutrality during elections by extending restrictions applicable to serving government employees to retired officials and other individuals engaged or re-employed by state governments in various capacities. In an order issued on November 9, the Commission directed the Chief Secretaries and Chief Electoral Officers of Goa, Manipur, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand to ensure strict compliance with the instructions during the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) period. The move is aimed at preventing government-linked individuals from exploiting their official positions, influence or access to favour…