SEC for proceedings against govt employees engaged in poll

The Odisha State Election Commission today asked all the district collectors and SPs to initiate proceedings against government employees engaged in campaigning for the upcoming three-tier panchayat polls.

The SEC has banned the employees of the state government, corporations or aided institutions from taking part in campaigning for any candidate or political party.

It said the district collectors, SPs, block development officers (BDOs) can initiate action against the employees as per the provisions of the Odisha Gram Panchayat Act.

The SEC has received complaints that the employees are working for their spouses and relatives, despite it asking the chief secretary to ensure that no government employee works for any candidate or political party.