CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964) are a set of rules that regulate the conduct of all central government employees in India.
The rules were framed under the provisions of Article 309 of the Constitution of India.
The President of India is the authority in power to make rules for the recruitment and conduct of civil servants.
The CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 includes,
Integrity and honesty: Government servants are required to maintain high standards of integrity and honesty in their personal and professional lives.
Political neutrality: Government servants are required to remain politically neutral.
Gifts and hospitality: Are prohibited from accepting gifts or hospitality from members of the public, except in certain limited circumstances.
Outside employment: Government servants are prohibited from engaging in any outside employment without the prior permission of the government.
Property ownership: Government servants are required to declare their assets and liabilities to the government. They are also prohibited from acquiring any property that could conflict with their official duties.
Misconduct: Government servants are prohibited from engaging in any misconduct, such as dishonesty, fraud, or corruption. They are also prohibited from abusing their official position or authority.
The CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964 are enforced by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT).
What is the violation
CCS (Conduct) Rules, 1964) that deals with government servants attending political affairs is Rule 5(1).
Examples of what would be considered attending a political affair:
Attending a political rally or meeting
Wearing or displaying symbols or clothing associated with a political party
Donating money to a political party or candidate
Volunteering for a political campaign
Canvassing for votes on behalf of a political party
Why in News
Union government depute senior bureaucrats to all districts in the country as Rath Prabharis to propagate the government’s development initiatives.
Ministry of Defence, directing soldiers on annual leave to spend time on promoting government schemes, making them ‘soldier-ambassadors’.
Opposition in center says this is the clear violation of CCS, 1964 and government is using executive for political agendas.
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